27/06/2026
The elder brother believed acceptance was earned through years of faithful service, but the father reminded him that love and belonging had never been wages for obedience—they were always gifts of grace. Like the younger son, he too needed to understand that we stand before God not because we deserve it, but because of His grace. "For by grace you have been saved through faith... it is the gift of God—not by works." (Ephesians 2:8–9)