Just like one and one makes two
You and me united make us one
Families that pull together
Birth communities that stick together.

The story of the prodigal son as told in Luke 15:11-32 identifies a son who was very disrespectful, a father who was too excited his lost son came home, and a brother who was utterly disappointed that the lost was found. It portrayed in clear terms, the contrasts between a son who was very wasteful, a father too eager to forgive and give a second chance, and a brother who did not understand or buy the idea of forgiveness and second chances. Behind the scenes of this prodigal family are the silent interplays of servants, other families and neighbors, and a community directly and indirectly impacted by the actions of the main players.

Considering that we live in a time that is predominantly, “Everyone to himself,” we are more likely to miss the role that community plays in our lives as individuals and families. Jesus recognized that, which is why He encouraged us to love our neighbors as ourselves. The environment we are exposed to and the society we live in to a large extent influence the direction of our lives. Just as it is easy for one to succumb to what is prevalent in their environment, so also is change predicated on the typical response of a society.

We have all made mistakes at one or several points in our lives. Yet, it is harder to return to a family that is rooted in unforgiveness and hatred even after you realize that your choices were poor and appalling. Many have chosen rather to continue in their mistakes than to return to the hateful ridicules of unforgiving families and neighborhoods. Others after they realized their mistakes still choose to continue on their own, preferring to dig themselves out of the pit they walked into than return and face the mockery, rejection or false acceptance of an unforgiving community. How different would life be if you knew that you could go to an offended family member, friend, neighbor, colleague, boss etc., tender sincere apology and be freely forgiven?

Many families are praying for loved ones who have run off on the wrong paths. Neighbors are grieving the loss of potentials whose stories would have been amazing had they chosen different paths in life. Communities are mourning because of continuous degradation that is eroding not only values but is also dragging precious lives down. Here is a question for all of us: how willing are we to forgive those who have erred in ways that hurt us? How ready are we to make changes to accommodate, rehabilitate or support them if they return? How ready are we to change to inspire and encourage their change of hearts and ways?

Unknown to many of us, the problems are not so much with the prodigal children, parents, partners, friends and neighbors as much as it is with those of us who feel righteous and offended. Our prayers for their change may not be answered until we have embraced the change: first to forgive and next to look beyond us and toward the ones who are in more need than we are. God is waiting for us to change in order to answer our prayers for their change because He knows if the prodigal changes before us, our attitudes and response will abort their process. Until we have changed and come into the place of forgiveness and readiness to adapt with changes of the circumstances, the prodigals may never come home. May God help us in Jesus Name. Amen.

Blessings
Glory!