This is a very important realization for each of us: The prodigal son was every bit the beloved son of the father even while he was in the pig sty. The Father loved him even during the squandering, the pride, the famine. His love did not start at the point of the son's return. He did not wait and withhold affection or acceptance until after he heard the son's confession. No! The scriptures say the Father was looking for the son and RAN and fell on his neck and hugged him. Now that's love!
When you "see" sons in those various stages of pride, foolishness, deception, squandering, famine, pigsty - do not judge them unworthy of the Father's love or of your compassion. Your prayers may be the VERY THING that "brings them to their senses" and reminds them of their Father's love.
There is a scripture that is an absolute goldmine regarding just such situations. It's found in 1 John 5:16, "If you see your brother sinning a sin not unto death, you shall ask (prayer) and God will for you give life to the one who is sinning." Notice the person IS sinning. Note that they have not yet repented (changed their mind), but God instructs us to ask for life to be given them. Father is ALWAYS seeking ways to get life to us even when we are dead in our trespasses and sins.
Christ laid down His life for us even when we were dead in our trespasses and sins so instead of criticizing and judging the person in the pig sty, open up your mouth and ask life for the one and soon you will see the results. They WILL come home - they WILL be restored and you will have been the conduit for grace and the Father's love to reach them even in that pig sty.
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