[The older son] was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, “Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!” And he said to him, “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.” Luke 15:28-31
Dear heavenly Father, though I’d never boast about my “many years of serving you,” nor am I tempted to trust in my works for your favor; nevertheless, at times my ingratitude matches that of the older son. I stand convicted; but I do my best repenting, not by beating myself up, but by preaching the gospel to my own heart, so here goes.
Father, you are constantly running to me in the gospel—inviting me, imploring me, pleading with me to get on the dance floor of your grace—to enjoy the music of reconciliation, to sing the songs of redemption, to make merry to the glory of God.
You are constantly saying to my grumbling, complaining, discontented, self-righteous face, “My son, you’re always with me because I’m always with you. Nothing will ever separate you from my lavish love for you in Jesus. I greatly delight in you. I rejoice over you with singing. Everything I have is yours.
All your sins are forgiven, including your ingratitude. I’ve declared you to be righteous in Jesus, and I’ve hidden your life in his. I’ve begun a good work in you and I will complete it. I’ve made you a co-heir of the new heaven and new earth. You’re destined for an eternity of perfect relationships and wholeness, in a perfect world where everything is perfect. Come, let us rejoice and be glad.”
Hallelujah, many times over! Father, I repent of my whining, envy, and complaining; and I’ll seek to keep my ungratefulness at bay by consistently blasting my heart with the gospel. Thank you for your patience and kindness. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ peerless and praiseworthy name.