Sumagot ang ama, “Anak, lagi kitang kapiling at ang lahat ng aking ari-arian ay sa iyo.”

Lucas 15:31

Noong bata pa tayo, we get rewards whenever we do something good. Kapag natapos natin ang lahat ng assignments at na-perfect ang lahat ng exams, we receive recognition and get celebrated.

We live in a world that recognizes hustle culture. ‘Ika nga, work hard and you’ll be able to achieve your dreams. Pero hindi laging fair ang buhay. Minsan, kahit na gawin natin ang lahat, we lose, and we fail.

‘Yan ang naramdaman ng prodigal brother sa Parable of the Prodigal Son sa Luke 15. He felt betrayed, unappreciated, and unloved after witnessing how his younger brother came back unpunished for his wrongdoing. In his heart, ginawa niya naman kung ano ang dapat — serving his father and staying loyal to him. Pero bakit nakuha ng kapatid niya ang favor ng ama when he didn’t even exert an effort to earn it? 

Do you also feel this way? Kung oo, God has a loving response to you.

Like the father of the prodigal son, He wants you to know that He is always with you, and you have access to everything as His child. He loves you too. Kahit wala ka pang ginagawa, the Lord already loves you.

Hindi mo kailangang magpakapagod to earn His approval. What He wants is a relationship with You. Let Him free you from the pressure of measuring up and allow yourself to receive His love fully today.