When the Older Brother Needs Grace Too
Someone else receives a warm welcome, and a little resentment rises in us. We may have worked faithfully for years. We may wonder whether anyone has noticed. Jesus makes room to examine that feeling honestly.
you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.
(Luke 15:31, NIV, excerpt)
In the parable of the two sons, the older brother stayed outside while the family celebrated his younger brother’s return. His father came out and pleaded with him. He reminded his son of their relationship and invited him to share the joy of a brother who had been lost and was now found. Jesus told these stories while religious leaders complained about His welcome of sinners.
Join the joy of someone coming home
The older brother’s resentment can help us notice when comparison has entered our own faithfulness. We can bring that to God with openness and ask Him to renew our love.
When someone turns toward Christ, their welcome is something the whole church can celebrate. Longstanding believers have a beautiful opportunity to offer patient friendship, explain unfamiliar parts of church life, and help a new believer become known.
If you recognize yourself standing at the edge of another person’s celebration, take one gentle step toward them. Learn their name. Thank God for His mercy in their life. Ask what might help them settle into the community.
Grace can enlarge our joy until another person’s homecoming becomes good news to us, too.
A prayer
Father, forgive our resentment and renew our delight in Your grace. Help us cherish life with You and welcome others with the joy of Your household. Amen.
Read Luke 15:25-32 in the NIV.
Keep reading: When Jesus Calls Your Name · What Is the Gospel?.
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There is room to rejoice when grace reaches someone else.
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