The story of the prodigal is the perfect picture of grace.   The father in the story is not angry, he’s not waiting to condemn his wayward son in any way.  He’s watching and waiting for his beloved son to come to his senses and return home.  

He has given all for both his sons and just wants them to live life to the fullest in his blessings.  His acceptance is always available, open arms extended to them both.  He’s just waiting and watching for them to see his love and return from their self inflicted prison sentences. 

They have both cornered themselves in situations where they feel trapped and alone. One working the farm under the false assumption that he’s stuck always laboring and the other trapped by his rebellion in a vile situation which seems to have turned into a literal prison. 

In both cases grace is the offer extended to realize they are the beloved of their father no matter what.  He’s always waiting and watch for their return.   He doesn’t care what they’ve done or where they’ve gone he’s simply looking forward to their reunion and the joy which will follow. 

So his grace is not easy or greasy. It’s not a license to continue on their paths to pain and suffering wrapped in the false cloak of sin.  The heart of their father is continually calling them home to his love feast.  In fact is it impossible for him to deny that love because it is in his very nature to love them unconditionally.