Many people unconsciously believe:

If I forgive correctly, then I can receive God's love.

The parable shows the opposite order.

Read

Luke 15:20

The father:

• sees

• runs

• embraces

• kisses

before the son finishes his speech.

Acceptance comes first.

Transformation follows.

The Religious Sequence

I forgive

→ God heals me

→ I receive love

The Gospel Sequence

I encounter love

→ I discover I am accepted

→ my heart softens

→ forgiveness emerges

Forgiveness is fruit.

Not qualification.