He stood covered in dirt from head to toe, his tears ran–mingled with filth–down his cheek and into his mouth, but as the prodigal came to his senses he felt, for the first time in a long time, hopeful.

He could have dug in his heels and stayed away. He could have listened to the whispers of Satan and believed himself beyond forgiveness. He could have run farther from home and found himself in who knows what kind of trouble. Instead he admitted his mistakes and went home.

There, he was met by a loving father, embraced as a beloved son, and returned to the life he had left behind.

Where does he go from here?

Jesus parable does not tell us. It ends with the father pleading with his other son to reconcile with his prodigal brother. Whether the brothers reconnect is not known. What happens next in the prodigal’s life is likewise a mystery.

I’d like to think he returned to work for his father. I’d like to think his brother repented and welcomed him back. I’d like to think the servants and others around the house loved that he was back and celebrated his return sincerely.

Too often when we people admit their mistakes and pledge to correct them, sour-hearted folks use that as an opportunity to pounce. They sense weakness and a chance to move up the ladder of public opinion, increasing their perception at the expense of others. It’s shameful, but it happens. Some who live essentially-faithful lives grow bitter and resentful that their brother or sister in Christ is being cheered for coming back after spending time in revelry and “fun.”

We must always remember that we’re not perfect, that we err and make mistakes just as the prodigal son did. Ours may not be as open and obvious as his, but they are clear and obvious in the sight of God, nonetheless. A soft heart is needed to ensure we welcome back the penitent, lest we also falter and stumble away from the light.

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

Galatians 6:1