For Your Heart Today

As we move toward the holiday season—when families, friendships, and expectations collide—Jesus invites us into a deeper, quieter work of the heart. He invites us to consider the “strangers we know”—the parents, siblings, partners, friends, and even church family who feel distant, wounded, or complicated.

The parable of the prodigal son is not just about the one who wandered far and returned. It’s also about the one who stayed close outwardly, but drifted inwardly. Today, we lean into the love of a Father who runs toward both sons, who meets us in our complicated family stories, and who invites us to take one step toward healing and renewed love—even when reconciliation feels out of reach.

3 Takeaways

There’s more beneath the surface.

Like the older brother, sometimes our unresolved pain, disappointment, or fear shows up as frustration or withdrawal. Beneath anger are wounds longing to be seen and healed by Jesus.

Forgiveness frees us first.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean trust is fully restored or reconciliation is immediate. It means releasing the justice and weight into God’s hands so our hearts can move toward freedom.

Love begins with a new vision.

Healing begins when we ask God to help us see differently—not merely what someone has done, but who they are in God’s eyes. Sometimes this leads to a restored connection; other times it means releasing the burden and asking for peace in our spirit.

Breath Prayer

Inhale: Where love is hard…

Exhale: …soften my heart.

Full manuscript estimated reading time: 14–16 minutes