1. A Good Father Gives Love Not Control

12 "So he divided his property between them." Luke 15:12

15 But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15

2. A Good Father Never Closes the Door

20a "While he was still a long way off, his father saw him..." Luke 15:20a

20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. Revelation 3:20

3. A Good Father Leads with Compassion

20b "He was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son..." Luke 15:20b

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

4. A Good Father Extends Grace Immediately

21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Luke 15:21-22

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

5. A Good Father Pursues All His Children

28 The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. Luke 15:28