What does God really think of me? (Luke 15:20-22)

What does God really think of me? 

Everyone at some point asks themselves this question. Sadly most people will never truly know the answer and many others will simply find the truth to hard to believe. 

In this story Jesus compares God’s love for sinners to a Father’s unconditional love for his son. Despite the son’s total rejection and insult, the Father still loved him. Though the son walked away completely and shamed his Father’s name, he still loved his son and waited for his return home. 

Jesus’ description of the Father’s longing for his wayward son illustrate for us God’s feelings towards those who are far from Him. 

Even before the son had returned it says, “[the Father] saw him from far off and had compassion”. 

No matter who you are or how far from God you may be, God sees you, knows you, and feels unconditional compassion for you. 

Are you far from God right now? You might be surprised to know God loves you right where you are in this moment and longs for you to come to Him. Even though you don’t deserve His love and compassion, you already have it- simply because that’s who He is and because Ephesians 2:7-8 reminds us that it’s impossible for anyone to earn favor with God (grace is free gift for everyone willing to receive it). 

You may be tempted to think God thinks very little of you because of all the bad things you’ve done to offend Him. On the contrary, Romans 5:20 says, “where sin abound God’s grace abounds even more.” The fact that you have a lot of sin between you and God only enhances His compassion for you. The very fact that He hasn’t ended your life because of your sin is evidence of His love that is available to you today. 

Verse 20 also says that while the son was still a long way off, “[He] ran and embraced him”. Even before you take one step in God’s direction His compassion is already overflowing into a sprint to receive you with open arms. His love for us doesn’t change based on our response to Him. 

Are you far from God today? 

Know that He loves you and is running after you with His whole heart to embrace you with His compassion.

Are you close to God today?

Know that He loved you long before you returned to Him. In fact, while you were still a sinner, He already loved you enough to die for you (Romans 5:8). 

What does God think of you? 

He sees you and loves you right where you are, in whatever condition you are, and offers you more compassion than you will ever comprehend even though you don’t deserve it and never will. That’s what He really thinks about you.

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