========================================================================
  REST IN THE LOVE OF THE FATHER
  by David Wilkerson
========================================================================

Summary: We can rest in the love of our heavenly Father, knowing that He
is patient, forgiving, and always waiting to embrace us.

Topics: "Forgiveness", "God's Love"
Scripture References: Luke 15:20, Ephesians 1:6

------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION
------------------------------------------------------------------------

David Wilkerson emphasizes the unconditional love of the Father,
illustrating how we often misinterpret God's feelings towards us, much
like a friend questioning if they have upset us. He encourages believers
to stop dwelling on their shortcomings and instead rest in the assurance
of God's love and forgiveness, just as the prodigal son was welcomed
back by his father. Wilkerson reminds us that no matter how far we
stray, we can always return to God, who is eager to embrace us with open
arms and assure us of our acceptance in Him.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENT
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Have you ever had a friend or loved one say to you, out of the blue:
"Are you mad at me? Did I do something wrong?"

You may simply be quiet, deep in thought. So you answer, "No, I'm not
mad. You didn't do anything to hurt me. I'm just quiet right now."

But they press you: "Was it something I said?"

"No, you didn't say anything. All is right."

Finally, to convince that person, you have to hug him: "Look, I love you
--I'm not upset. But if you keep this up, you're going to get me upset!"

Beloved, this is how we treat our heavenly Father! At the end of the
day, we go to our secret closet and say: "Let's see now, how did I
grieve Jesus today? What did I do wrong --what did I forget to do? I'm
such a mess, I don't know how he can love me. Lord, forgive me one more
time. Someday I'll be so obedient, you'll find it easy to love me." But
God is there all the time, waiting to embrace you! He wants to show you
how much he loves you and he wants you to lie back and rest in his love!

When the prodigal son came home, he was welcomed back into his father's
house. He received a new robe, ate at his father's table and had full
forgiveness. The one thing this son knew was that he was secure in his
father's love! He knew his father would bear with him, work with him,
love him. That's how our heavenly Father is with us.

No matter how far we may stray from our Father, we have continued access
to return. But we must believe what God's Word says--he hath "made us
accepted in the beloved" (Ephesians 1:6).

He waits with outstretched arms to embrace all who accept their access
and return to his love.

========================================================================
Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/david-wilkerson/rest-in-the-love-of-the-father/
========================================================================