Signs of Unforgiveness We May Miss

The story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11–32 is a well-known example of forgiveness in the Bible. It also provides an example of resentment and contempt in the older son.

The story opens with a man with two sons. The younger son asked for his share of the estate, and the father complied. Off the guy went to a distant country to squander his wealth on wine, women, and song. When the money ran out, the man hired himself out as a servant to a pig merchant. There was a famine in the land, and no one gave him anything.

The younger son finally came to his senses. He thought about how well-fed his father’s servants were and acknowledged that he was starving to death. He had finally hit rock bottom and admitted that he had sinned against God and his father. He was prepared to confess to his dad, stating that he was no longer worthy to be his son, and offered to become his father’s servant.

His father was filled with compassion when he saw his son in the distance and ran to hug and kiss him. His son said: ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.”

The father said nothing to his younger son. Instead, he told his servants to dress him in the finest clothes and prepare a feast in his honor. When the oldest son showed up, he had a hissy fit and showed signs that…