The Parable of the Prodigal Son Luke 15:11-32 Lost & Found#3 Love is Unconditional & Righteous

The key message in this parable is love. Love is unconditional and also righteousness. The prodigal son abused unconditional love as a license to sin. The elder had the concept of performance-based love --- perform to gain love. Both are wrong. Grace is given not just to forgive us but also to empower us to be righteous and good. We are saved for good work (Eph 2:8-10). 

Lessons:

• #1 For Parent:
  • Whenever possible (no big harmful risks) let consequences be the teacher rather than just nagging and threatening.
  • Love should be unconditional and non-performance base
  • Love should have forgiveness & restoration.
  • Love is prodigal - extremely generous - wait, watchful, restoration, celebration.
  • Love is an assurance of the repentant son by the installation of sonship and letting people know, showing full acceptance.
• #2 Prodigal Son:
  • Ask: Know your rights and dare to ask.
  • Receive & Spend freely. But be wise in the way you spend your resources. The prodigal son spent on himself. He could have built a big influence with the resources he has.
  • Consequences: Face the facts rather than tried to deny the facts.
  • Awaken: Learn from the mistakes and make changes.
  • Scheming: Learn how to reason well and make the right plan.
  • Action: Take action to execute the plan.
• #3 Elder Son:
  • Know your parent unconditional love. Live in security and joy and not in fear of parents' rejection.
  • not be self-righteous - following the rules in outward appearance but inward willingness and commitment gives mediocre output.
  • Be secure and more generous towards others.
  • Be like the father, rejoice in "his is lost and is found"
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• The Balanced View of Righteousness and Love

The Elder Brother Syndrome: