Daily Nuggets of Grace Part 1 Free!Muestra

The Father’s Embrace

God seeks to embrace all His children.

A wave acknowledges one’s presence, and a handshake says we are at peace, but an embrace says I care about you. It gives the feeling of a real and intimate connection that lingers. There is more to the father’s embrace in Luke 15:20 than we catch in the first reading. Perhaps we are meant to dwell on it and linger there.

What kind of God is this who embraces such a broken soul? What does it feel like to look into the face of a Father who knows all that we have said and done against Him and then see Him reach to embrace us? Can you imagine that lingering?

I came to Christ early and was taught the ways of legalism and performance-based acceptance. Getting to know God's deep love has been a spiritual journey that continues. But many of my friends have lived years as if "feeding the pigs," as pictured in Luke 15. They have been at the very bottom... and looked up. When these folks come to Jesus, they have a glorious perspective. They rejoice from the depths of their soul as they receive the Father’s embrace. Can God be this good? Oh yes, He is!

God wants us to experience His great love, to know it personally, and to live in this love. His love can be compared to God's version of a permanent marriage covenant. That’s why Exodus 34 says God is compassionate and gracious, abounding in love and faithfulness.

Every verse of Psalm 136 celebrates God’s love, which lasts forever. His undeserved mercy never ends. God wants us to experience His love firsthand today and every day.

His loving embrace is meant to linger for all eternity.

Reflect and Respond

No matter your situation today, God wants you to enjoy His loving embrace. Take a few minutes to appreciate God's kindness and love right now.

Pray

Father, may I let your loving embrace linger. Help me to better grasp your pure, consistent love for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

To continue the deep dive into God's marvelous grace, click Daily Nuggets of Grace Part 2 Unashamed! for the next devotional.

If you enjoyed this reading plan, you’ll love the Grace Course. It will help you connect with God's grace in your heart, not just your head. You can check it out here.