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In the Parable of the Father's Love, we see the radical freedom of God. The dad exercised an Uncommon Freedom. His freedom, rooted in love, allowed him to respond graciously to the choices of his youngest boy, even when he disagreed with the child. He responded by kindly letting the child leave home; he responded by kindly letting the child come back into the home. The father manifested a graciousness which transcended the need to forgive, for the father was free from holding any resentment or grudge toward the son.
This lenience was outlandish to the older son. Are we any more comfortable with such amazing Grace?
This gracious freedom is a potential in every person. In our best moments we feel it. It may be a slow process for us to discover, to believe such freedom toward others is possible and safe. It may take us some time to trust we will be okay if we relinquish feelings of control, demand, and resentment. We can allow ourselves to open slowly to a loving freedom that might counter self-defeating notions of power and love.
How will we know we are growing into the graceful freedom of the Divine? The story tells us we will be less demanding of others and more accepting of their limitations and shortcomings. Freedom does not stand aside with feelings of moral superiority. Freedom does not say in self-righteousness, "I told you so." It does not say, "I knew you would come back."
Gracious freedom says to all, "You belong. Welcome." Freedom does not want anyone to be mired in guilt. Freedom wants all to be happy and glad to be home in this world with God and one another.
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Jesus practiced this radical freedom of grace in relationships. To be of a Christian spirit is to reflect that same daring, uncommon embrace. In giving grace you will notice others begin to return it. Grace is contagious.
However, the story in Luke 15 is set against the backdrop of resistance to such gracious freedom.
1Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. 2This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such despicable people—even eating with them! (NLT)
We must accept that the churches and other religious communities are not necessarily places that will encourage gracious freedom. Indeed, I have discovered that many religious fellowships are not any less prejudicial toward the “tax collectors and other notorious sinners” than persons outside those communities.
I do not write this implying that I have mastered this gracious freedom. I struggle to honor that freedom in my enemies, and in myself. I am, at times, gracious. I am, at times, ungracious. I am, at times, self-righteous. I am, at times, righteous. However, I am growing in gracious freedom. I trust, as I fall in Love with the Spirit more and more, I become like Christ more and more. That is my Prayer.
Are you growing in graciousness? Whom do you struggle to be gracious toward? What is the difference between being tolerant and being gracious? Has someone changed your life markedly by expressing gracious freedom toward you?
©Brian K. Wilcox 01-25-2001; Revised Edition 07-31-06
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