One of the lessons Jesus taught in the parable of the prodigal son is this: don’t give up on someone no matter how bad things may be in their lives. The father in the story never gave up on his youngest son. He noticed him returning, and ran to meet him. The Bible says: ‘While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him.’ So why do we end up giving up on people? 1) We just see their behaviour. We don’t know the experiences they’ve gone through which may have led them to act this way. Maybe they have unhealed wounds and unresolved issues they carry around. Maybe their anger is covering up fear. 2) We don’t know what people are struggling with. Someone can live in a nice home and drive a nice car to a nice job, yet their marriage is falling apart, their children are difficult to manage, and their mind is overwhelmed. They need our compassion. Instead of writing them off as a lost cause, we need to ask God for words of wisdom. If we were the ones struggling, we wouldn’t want people to give up on us. So let’s not give up on other people. Sometimes it’s not right for us to become involved in people’s lives, especially if it puts us in a potentially dangerous or hurtful situation. But when it’s safe, let’s continually pray and help people through whatever they’re facing. God doesn’t give up on people. He’s the Father in the story of the prodigal son. He anticipates their return home, and when they do, He celebrates. God hasn’t given up on the people we know, so let’s not give up on them either. 

What Now?

Is there someone you’re close to giving up on? Make an effort to pray for them today.