Grace is a Gift, Not a Wage — July 18 [Description]Passage Overview:This passage expands on the parable of the Prodigal Son, highlighting not the younger son’s redemption, but the heart condition of the elder brother. Though he remained physically close to the father, the elder son was spiritually distant—working for reward, not out of love. His jealousy and resentment toward his brother’s restoration exposed his self-righteousness and lack of mercy. Jesus uses this part of the story as a direct appeal to the Pharisees (and to all who see themselves as morally superior), challenging them to recognize their cold, critical spirit. God freely offers love, grace, and belonging—not as wages, but as gifts. And those who truly know His love will reflect it: rejoicing in repentance, walking humbly, and welcoming others as true family. 365D 199

Spirit of Prophecy Reading 365D 199

Christ’s Object Lessons pp.208-211: 365D 199.1

Yet the father deals tenderly with him. “Son,” he says, “thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.” Through all these years of your brother’s outcast life, have you not had the privilege of companionship with me? 365D 199.2

Everything that could minister to the happiness of his children was freely theirs. The son need have no question of gift or reward. “All that I have is thine.” You have only to believe my love, and take the gift that is freely bestowed. 365D 199.3

It is true that you claim to be a child of God; but if this claim be true, it is “thy brother” that was “dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.” He is bound to you by the closest ties; for God recognizes him as a son. Deny your relationship to him, and you show that you are but a hireling in the household, not a child in the family of God. 365D 199.4

Though you will not join in the greeting to the lost, the joy will go on, the restored one will have his place by the Father’s side and in the Father’s work. He that is forgiven much, the same loves much. But you will be in the darkness without. For “he that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” 1 John 4:8. 365D 199.5