We all know a “prodigal” story. Maybe it’s your own.
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The kid who grew up in church, went off to college, and made a mess of his life.
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The church girl who got pregnant at 17.
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The pastor’s kid who fell into the wrong crowd and developed an addiction.
In his kindness, God often brings prodigals to the end of themselves—out of money, out of options, broken by relationships, and at rock bottom. And when that happens, many prodigals find their way home again.
But here’s the real question: When a prodigal child returns to church, how will we welcome them?
Prodigals Come With Baggage
The truth is, prodigals don’t return polished and put together.
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They may need a cigarette between worship and the sermon.
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They may have tattoos that make church people uncomfortable.
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They may have a boyfriend or girlfriend who doesn’t fit the “church standard.”
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They may smell like beer or wear a band t-shirt that raises eyebrows.
So, how do we respond? Do we hold back until they “clean up”? Do we whisper about their past? Do we point them out to our kids as cautionary tales?
Or… do we laugh with them, invite them over for dinner, and celebrate that they’ve come home? Do we take interest in their lives, show kindness to their partner, and overwhelm them with love and gratitude?
The Gospel Calls Us to Embrace Prodigals
The way we welcome prodigals back reveals what we really believe about God, grace, and ourselves. It can determine whether they stay in the church—or walk away again.
Jesus told us exactly how the Father welcomes prodigals:
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him…” (Luke 15:20–24, ESV)
The Father doesn’t wait for the son to get his act together. He runs to meet him, embraces him, and restores him with honor.
Will We Do the Same?
Every prodigal needs grace. And so do we.
When a prodigal child returns to church, let’s choose compassion over judgment. Let’s show them that the gospel is bigger than their failures. Let’s remind them that they are not just welcomed back but celebrated as family.
Because that’s how the Father welcomes us.
