“Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”
Christianity is not a competition, we’re a family. We don’t compare and we don’t want what’s “fair.” If we got what was “Fair” none of us would be saved. The “Older Brother” in the parable was mad because he was faithful for so long, and the father just wanted his first-born son to be happy his brother had come home. Don’t compare your experience to others, it will only breed bitterness in your heart. Don’t look at other people and think about what is or isn’t “fair,” that’s a recipe for pain and anger. Rejoice for however God is blessing others, whether you think they deserve it or not, and whether you think you’re as blessed or not… you’re in the same boat.
