Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Luke 15:18 In the first letter to the Thessalonians, we read that the people there had experienced a “conversion”. They had “turned to God from idols”. This refers to the reversal or change of direction in life that takes place when someone comes to faith in Jesus Christ. In conversion, a person realises that they are on a path of life that leads away from God and ends in eternal separation from God. They feel sincere remorse for what they have done and ask God for forgiveness, which He gladly gives. An example of such a conversion to God is the so-called “prodigal son” in Luke’s Gospel. This son leaves his father and goes out into the world. Abundantly endowed with money, he indulges himself in a life of luxury – until he runs out of money and eventually becomes a swineherd, making a living from feeding animals. But then the Bible verse says that he “came to himself”: he decided to return to his father and tell him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son” (Luke 15:18). Everyone who comes to God in this way receives complete forgiveness and is accepted by Him with open arms – yes, God makes that person His child! Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out. Acts 3:19 For the Lord your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn His face from you if you return to Him. 2 Chronicles 30:9 Today’s reading: Nehemiah 9:5-25 · Proverbs 15:1-11 https://gbv-online.org/calendar/262/date/2025-02-15

Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Luke 15:18 In the first letter to the Thessalonians, we read that the people there had experienced a “conversion”. They had “turned to God from idols”. This refers to the reversal or change of direction in life that takes place when someone comes to faith in Jesus Christ. In conversion, a person realises that they are on a path of life that leads away from God and ends in eternal separation from God. They feel sincere remorse for what they have done and ask God for forgiveness, which He gladly gives. An example of such a conversion to God is the so-called “prodigal son” in Luke’s Gospel. This son leaves his father and goes out into the world. Abundantly endowed with money, he indulges himself in a life of luxury – until he runs out of money and eventually becomes a swineherd, making a living from feeding animals. But then the Bible verse says that he “came to himself”: he decided to return to his father and tell him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son” (Luke 15:18). Everyone who comes to God in this way receives complete forgiveness and is accepted by Him with open arms – yes, God makes that person His child! Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out. Acts 3:19 For the Lord your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn His face from you if you return to Him. 2 Chronicles 30:9 Today’s reading: Nehemiah 9:5-25 · Proverbs 15:1-11 https://gbv-online.org/calendar/262/date/2025-02-15