The Lord loves everyone. Like the sun shining around the world, the Lord's love goes out to everyone, whether good or evil. He is perpetually present with us, sustaining our life. Like the prodigal son, we can distance ourselves from the Lord. Yet He still loves us and yearns to be conjoined with us and bring us genuine happiness. The story of the prodigal son provides a beautiful picture of the Lord's gift of spiritual freedom to all and the power of repentance to overcome the barriers we construct. Like the father who has compassion on his son and runs to embrace him, the Lord's love constantly urges us to receive Him.

What does it take to receive the Lord? The Lord cannot be conjoined with someone who loves to do what is evil. Such a person turns from the Lord just as the younger son went to a far country and wasted his inheritance. But the prodigal son repented and humbly returned to his father. So the Lord can forgive us when we make mistakes, if we acknowledge that we are doing what is wrong and then stop doing it. He does not respond with anger or punishment but with mercy. The Lord rejoices when we look to Him and follow the teachings of the Word, because this can lead us to the eternal happiness that, from His infinite love, He longs to give everyone.

We hope that these projects, family activities, and worship suggestions will help you and your family develop a deeper appreciation of the Lord's love and mercy. You might want to read the Quotes from the Word, "The Prodigal Son" by the Rt. Rev. Thomas Kline, and "The Lord Is Mercy Itself" by the Rev. Daniel Heinrichs. Children might enjoy Picturing the Father and Son, "I will lift up my hands..." (hand motions for Psalm 63:4, 5), and The Circle of God's Love. Teens and adults may want to explore The Prodigal Son and His Brother, Reflections on Loving the Lord, and Food for Thought on Developing a Reciprocal Conjunction with God. For additional projects and activities, see the Family Activities, More Projects, and Sunday School.