The term “prodigal” is often associated with someone who is wasteful and extravagant. However, in the context of the Bible, it takes on a different meaning.  In the Bible God is the one who is extravagant in his love and mercy, who is quick to forgive and willing to go to great lengths to reconcile with His people. And this is precisely the kind of God that we find in the Bible.

Throughout the Bible, we see the incredible love and mercy of God on display. From the moment that Adam and Eve fell into sin, God began orchestrating a plan to reconcile them to Himself. This plan involved sending His son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins, so that through faith in Him we might have eternal life.

In the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), we see a beautiful illustration of the prodigal love of God. The younger son in the story asks his father for his inheritance and promptly squanders it in a far-off land. When he finally comes to his senses and returns home, expecting to be treated like a servant, his father welcomes him back with open arms. The father in the story is prodigal in his love for his son, forgiving him without hesitation and rejoicing at his return.

But the story doesn’t end there. The older son in the story is angry that his father has welcomed back his wayward brother. The father’s response is telling: “My son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” (Luke 15:31-32).

God’s prodigal love is not just for those who have wandered far from Him. It is for all of us. It is an extravagant love that is available to each and every one of us, no matter what we have done or where we have been. It is a love that is willing to forgive, heal, and restore us to a right relationship with Him.

In conclusion, God is a prodigal God, one who is extravagant in His love and mercy. His love is not limited by our mistakes or failures, but reaches out to us, offering forgiveness and new life. May we all take comfort and joy in the prodigal love of God and seek to share it with those around us.