There is an important life principle here. When understanding and empathy are absent, judgment fills the empty space. It takes only a drop of bitterness to spoil the drink. How would the story have changed if it were the older brother who met the prodigal at the gate? The gate would not have been opened. And a one-sided conversation like this would have ensued: “You selfish jerk. It looks like you got what you deserved. Who do you think you are? Do you really think you can come back here and