Finding Forgiveness

Pratap was the son of a rich zamindar. They lived in a large house and had many servants. Pratap always had the best clothes, food, and education—he knew his parents loved him very much, especially his father. 

But as Pratap grew older, he began to change. The old ways were no longer attractive to him. Father’s house and Father’s ways began to feel restrictive. Pratap yearned for freedom. 

One day, Pratap begged his mother to go to Father with a special request. When he told her what he wanted, she recoiled in horror. But he pressed her until she agreed to ask. It took several days, but eventually she returned, weeping. 

“He will do it,” she said, unable to look at her son. “He will sell half our possessions and give you your inheritance. But why, my son? Why?”

Pratap felt a small pang of regret, but he also felt excited. His plan had worked. He would receive his share of Father’s money so that he could live the life he wanted.

Wild Living

Pratap moved to the big city. He rented an expensive penthouse and started making new friends. Soon he was throwing parties that attracted the rich and the famous. He bought cars, slept with beautiful women, and ate in expensive restaurants. He had everything he had ever wanted.

But one day, Pratap’s money ran out. Embarrassed, he asked some of his new friends to loan him a bit of money, but they suddenly stopped answering calls. He couldn’t pay his bills. Finally, the landlord evicted him. With no money and no friends, where could he go?

Pratap wandered through the city, confused and anxious. When the sun began to set, he felt afraid. Where would he sleep? What would he eat? For the first time in his life, Pratap slept on the street, his stomach growling with hunger.

Facing Regret

For the next few days, Pratap tried to get a job in the city. He looked ragged from sleeping on the street, so nobody would give him a job except the manager of a rundown restaurant. Pratap worked hour after hour, carrying food to the diners and wiping tables. He felt very hungry and tired. He wondered how it was possible that he, the son of a rich man, could be serving food! When the last diner left the restaurant, he went into the kitchen to help wash the dishes. He saw a plate near the trash can with a half-eaten roti. He felt so hungry that he nearly reached out to take it.

What is wrong with me? he berated himself. Even the servants in my father’s house have enough roti to eat, with extra to spare. And here I am, tempted by these filthy leftovers!

He stared at the stack of dishes and thought for a long time.

I know what I will do, he thought. I will go back to my father and tell him, “Father, I have sinned against you and against God. I am no longer worthy to be your son. Please make me one of your hired servants.”

Without washing a single dish, Pratap left the restaurant and began his journey home.

Returning Home

Pratap had many things to think about as he went home. How would his father react when he saw him? He rehearsed what he would say when he arrived, but it didn’t make him feel any better. Finally, after a long trip, he could see his father’s house in the distance. He walked slowly up the road.

Suddenly, he heard a shout. His father, usually so calm and dignified, ran out of the house. He came to Pratap and embraced him tightly. Pratap felt like his heart would break.

“Father,” he choked, “I have sinned against you and against God. I’m not worthy to be your son anymore.”

Father appeared as if he hadn’t heard a single word. Tears were streaming down his face. The house servants heard the commotion and came running.

“Quickly!” Father commanded them. “Prepare his room! Get fresh clothes ready for him! Prepare a feast, for we will have a celebration! This is my son—he was dead and is alive; he was lost and now is found!”

Finding Forgiveness

This story is based on a parable told by the Lord Jesus Christ to describe how we may receive forgiveness from the Creator God. When we make mistakes in life—even very big ones—we may return to God the way Pratap returned to his father. We don’t have to offer complicated rituals or sacrifices. God is waiting for us with open arms. It is the change of heart He values most. We must humbly confess our sins, be truly sorry, and ask for forgiveness. Would you like to experience the divine miracle of God’s forgiveness? You can be cleansed today, right now, from every wrong you’ve ever done. You can pray like this:

Dear God, I am deeply sorry for my sins. Please forgive me and cleanse me from all impurity because of the great sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ. Make me a new person inside. Amen.

If you would like to learn more about the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ, please contact us at the information on the back of this paper.