Imagine for a moment, a girl—a teenager—wearing ripped skinny jeans and a black leather jacket, combat boots, and a necklace that looks suspiciously like a dog’s collar. Odds are she has headphones plugged in her ears, and she won’t remove them unless she absolutely has to.

Rebels come in many different shades—this was, unfortunately, my own—but they all have one thing in common: a heart like lead weighing them down, yielding an attitude naturally disposed toward opposing, disagreeing, and defying. Most people go through a period of rebellion (or at least entertain thoughts of it) at some point in their lives. Some people take it further than others do.

Jesus relates the beautiful story of a father welcoming home his rebellious son (Luke 15:32). The son had demanded his inheritance, moved out, and partied away all his money. He was feeding pigs when he finally decided to return home and beg Dad for forgiveness. While the son expected his father to treat him no better than a servant, his father, to the son’s surprise, welcomed him home with open arms.

In the same way, our heavenly Father awaits us with open arms when we, in our sinful rebellion, run from Him and squander all His gifts. Now, why on earth would He do that? Put quite simply, He loves us—far greater than we could ever imagine. He loved the world and gave His Son so that we could become His children too.

Another thing about rebels: they’d rather do anything but submit. But only submission to God yields everlasting peace. Whether you’re currently running from God—or have yet to follow Him in the first place—turn and flee into your Father’s open arms today.