Maybe you recall the story of the prodigal son.
You see, he squandered his father’s inheritance
On hookers and living irresponsibly,
Was soon broke and running home
Not to be met with shame, but with open arms
As the father RAN to meet him and embrace his son.
Maybe you’re like that son’s older brother
Who did not feel it was quite fair, not quite fair
To throw a party for the son who had screwed up his life,
While here was the good son, having never run away,
Never rebelled, never strayed.
Perhaps you are bitter by the grace that I receive
Because you’ve done everything right.
Maybe you’re still a virgin
Whereas I have turned over 150 tricks for cash.
How is it fair that I’m lavished with love and favor?
How is it possible that I have a steady job,
With a promotion on the way?
How can I be publishing a book – my life long dream?
How can I can be forgiven so quickly after my relapse -
And live like I’m really forgiven?
How can I be so confident, so free, so joyful, so LOVED?
How can I walk with my head held high?
How can I enjoy intimate prayer with my Savior,
Even after all that I’ve done?
Because grace isn’t fair, you see, not fair in the least.
Grace gives us what we do not deserve.
Don’t be jealous; you can experience all this grace that you see!
Or maybe you’ve forgotten you’re as guilty as me.
Hookers have an advantage in knowing we’re guilty;
We know our need for grace.
But if you’re like the elder brother,
My fear for you is that you think you’re better,
That you think you’re in less need of grace.
May you not believe so, my friend!
For unless you approach God as a humble child,
Fully dependent and trusting and in need,
You will never enter heaven.
Perhaps your greatest sin is thinking you have no sin -
At least not sins that are as great as mine.
But Jesus cried, “Woe to you, Pharisees!”
For those who have it all together reject grace,
Often unconsciously doing so.
Because grace isn’t fair; it isn’t quite fair.
How could God adopt a sinner like me?
