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NASB | John 13:35 "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | John 13:35 "By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you have love and unselfish concern for one another." |
Bible Question:
Does anyone have a Prodigal in their life. My wife and I found a book by Ruth Bell Graham, called PRODIGALS (AND THOSE WHO LOVE THEN). We have wept and felt helpless, and prayed for our Prodigal. We have felt isolated, and kept our Prodigal situation to our self. Mainly because of judgements, and fear. This book is a healing that I would like to help anyother family that has a Prodigal in the family. This is a book of hope when you feel all hope is gone. I hope this helps someone else out there in the forum. I know we are not alone. justme |
Bible Answer: It might be worthy of note that the dictionary still defines a prodigal as one who is wastefully extravagant. One is a prodigal who is given to wasteful luxury or reckless spending. I suspect that we are referring here to one who has gone away; an absconder, a backslider, a delinquent. Nevertheless, it is clear that the terminology does not ease the pain. Perhaps one day the makers of dictionaries will realize we are talking about a loved one having left home and about our longing to have them back. In the meantime it might be helpful to remember that God also has His “prodigals”. We can pray and know that He will answer, because He wants them back even more badly than we do. He will do all He can, eve more than He's already done. The Spirit will bring them to themselves, though He still leaves it up to them to say, “I will arise and go (back)”. The problem of people turning away and running away from loved ones is a big one. It is widespread, though no less hurtful for that. It helps to know that whereas even their whereabouts may not be known to us, they cannot hide from God. Not every “prodigal” will become a Franklin Graham, but God will hear the prayers offered in these situations. He will speak peace to his people. |