So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him.
Luke 15:20
Notice that the compassion in the heart of the father was precipitated only by the return of the son. Before the son had made any statements concerning his guilt, the father was ready to receive a repentant prodigal.
This is significant. Were it not for the Heavenly Father’s compassion towards us, no amount of repentance on our part would be sufficient to merit his full and free forgiveness. Do not suffer under the delusion that God ‘must’ forgive sinners. He ‘will’ and shall because that is His desire. And, through His Wonderful Son, He has made it possible to satisfy His own divine justice in our forgiveness.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the beauty of Your plan! You alone are wise! I live in awe of Your care for us. Only by Your grace can we live and make a difference. Thank You! In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.