Definition: And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 15:20 together. It’s a really beautiful and important passage about God’s love and forgiveness! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it tells us that God is incredibly loving and wants to be with his people. Let’s unpack it word-by-word: “And he arose, and came to his father.” – This means Jesus was moving away from his Father's house. He wasn't just quietly leaving; he was actively going towards him. It symbolizes a desire for relationship and closeness with God. “But when he was yet a great way off…” – This is the key part! Jesus was so far away that he hadn’t even reached his father yet. It’s like being on a long, winding road. “…his father saw him, and had compassion…” – His father noticed Jesus! He recognized Jesus’s goodness and desire to be with him. This shows that God is watching over us and noticing our needs. “Compassion” means deep feeling of sympathy and concern for someone who is suffering. “and ran, and fell on his neck…” – This is a dramatic image! He ran towards his father, practically sprinting. It represents a desperate desire to be with him. “…and kissed him.” – Finally, he reached his father and gave him a huge, loving kiss! This is the most important part. It’s a symbol of complete surrender and acceptance – a complete outpouring of love and affection. So, what's the big takeaway? This story shows that God loves us so much that He wants to be with us, even when we’re far away. It's about His willingness to forgive our mistakes and offer us unconditional love, no matter how far we are from Him. It emphasizes that God doesn't just want to be with us; He actively desires to be near us! Think of it like this: Imagine you’re feeling sad – you might not be in a good place right now. But your father is always there for you, ready to comfort and support you. Jesus’s story reminds us that God is like that father, always offering love and acceptance, even when we're struggling. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in a different way? Relate it to something specific in your life?