Come Home

Jesus told a story about a son who ran away. He demanded his inheritance, left his father, and wasted everything. When he hit bottom, he decided to go back, not as a son, but to beg for a job as a servant. He rehearsed his speech the whole way home.

"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him" (Luke 15:20).

The father didn't wait at the door with his arms crossed. He didn't make his son earn his way back. He ran. Before the son finished his speech, the father was already calling for a robe, a ring, and a celebration.

Jesus told that story so you would know what God is like.

The way home

God made you to know him. You were created by God and for God, to know him and be loved by him. (Genesis 1:27; Jeremiah 31:3)
We all ran. Every one of us has turned away from God to go our own way. That's what the Bible calls sin, and it separates us from the God who loves us. (Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:2)
God came after us. Jesus, God the Son, became a man, lived the perfect life we couldn't, and died on the cross in our place, taking the penalty for our sin. Three days later, he rose from the dead. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 2 Corinthians 5:21)
Come home. You can't earn your way back, and you don't have to. Forgiveness and new life are a free gift for everyone who turns to Jesus and trusts in him. (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:9-10; John 1:12)

Talk to God

There are no magic words. God looks at your heart. If you're ready to come home, you could pray something like this:

God, I've been running from you. I'm sorry for the ways I've gone my own way. Thank you that you never stopped loving me. I believe Jesus died for my sins and rose from the dead. I want to come home. Please forgive me, give me a new heart, and help me follow Jesus. Amen.

If you prayed that and meant it, the Bible says you are forgiven and you belong to God, not because of the words, but because of what Jesus did. "Whoever comes to me I will never drive away" (John 6:37).

Next steps

Talk with God every day: Prayer is just honest conversation with your Father. Tell him everything.
Read the Gospel of John: Start meeting Jesus in his own words. A chapter a day is a great pace.
Find a church that teaches the Bible: You weren't meant to follow Jesus alone. Look for a church where the Bible is taught and Jesus is at the center.
Tell someone: Share what's happened with a Christian friend or family member. They'll want to celebrate with you.

Not ready? That's okay. God is patient, and honest questions are welcome. Keep exploring, keep asking, and keep listening. "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13).