--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The pattern of the prodigal is…" description: "\"The pattern of the prodigal is: rebellion, ruin, repentance, reconciliation, restoration.\" — Edwin Louis Cole" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dcf/edwin-louis-cole-7164_christian-inspiratio_the-pattern-of-the-prodigal-is-rebellion_815268.png" --- # The pattern of the prodigal is: rebellion, ruin… ![“The pattern of the prodigal is: rebellion, ruin, repentance, reconciliation, restoration.” quote by Edwin Louis Cole](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dcf/edwin-louis-cole-7164_christian-inspiratio_the-pattern-of-the-prodigal-is-rebellion_815268.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dcf/edwin-louis-cole-7164_christian-inspiratio_the-pattern-of-the-prodigal-is-rebellion_815268.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dcf/edwin-louis-cole-7164_christian-inspiratio_the-pattern-of-the-prodigal-is-rebellion_815268.png) > “The pattern of the prodigal is: rebellion, ruin, repentance, reconciliation, restoration.” [Edwin Louis Cole](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edwin-louis-cole/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The prodigal’s journey follows a cycle of rebellion, ruin, repentance, reconciliation, and restoration **In simple terms:** A repeating cycle of fall and redemption leads to renewal Key Takeaway Recognize and break negative cycles for growth Themes redemption growth spiritual journey human nature Mood hopeful thoughtful Type inspirational reflective When to use this quote - counseling - spiritual retreats - life coaching Key Concepts cycle of behavior personal transformation forgiveness Questions to Reflect On - How can one intervene early in a destructive cycle? - What supports sustain reconciliation? A Different Perspective Not all cycles end positively; external factors matter ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Christian inspirational](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/christian-inspirational/) [Patterns](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/patterns/) [Peacebuilding](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/peacebuilding/) [Prodigal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/prodigal/) [Rebellion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rebellion/) [Reconciliation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reconciliation/) [Repentance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/repentance/) [Restoration](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/restoration/) [Revolution](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/revolution/) [Ruins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ruins/) [Uprising](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/uprising/) ## Related quotes > [The church is not a theological classroom. It is a conversion, confession, repentance, reconciliation, forgiveness and sanctification center, where flawed people place their faith…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-david-tripp/the-church-is-not-a-theological-classroom-it-is-a-conversion/) [Paul David Tripp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-david-tripp/) > [I truly believe slavery is why, as a by-product, we still have a disproportionate amount of black men incarcerated in the USA. It is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-oyelowo/i-truly-believe-slavery-is-why-as-a-by-product-we-still-have-a/) [David Oyelowo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-oyelowo/) > [You may be more prodigal of time than of money.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-curchod/you-may-be-more-prodigal-of-time-than-of-money/) [Suzanne Curchod](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-curchod/) > [“To save your life from prodigal waste, you must have good ideas. God may give you an idea that he may send someone to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/israelmore-ayivor/to-save-your-life-from-prodigal-waste-you-must-have-good-ideas-god/) [Israelmore Ayivor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/israelmore-ayivor/) > [“Why must we cling to those who walk away instead of granting freedom? We must give the same liberty God gives to prodigals-an ability…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mary-e-demuth/why-must-we-cling-to-those-who-walk-away-instead-of-granting-freedom/) [Mary E. DeMuth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mary-e-demuth/) > [“The back door beckons to a prodigal son.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-davidow/the-back-door-beckons-to-a-prodigal-son/) [Michael Davidow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-davidow/) > [“Darkness my beloved home, I return! I return, not whole, but damaged. Fatigued by quixotic tendencies, The prodigal has come back famished. An outer…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zubair-ahsan/darkness-my-beloved-home-i-return-i-return-not-whole-but-damaged/) [Zubair Ahsan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zubair-ahsan/) > [...prodigal summer, the season of extravagant procreation. It could wear out everything in its path with its passionate excesses, but nothing alive with wings…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/barbara-kingsolver/prodigal-summer-the-season-of-extravagant-procreation-it-could-wear/) [Barbara Kingsolver](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/barbara-kingsolver/) > [The Prodigal Son story is, I think, the greatest short-story ever written. It has such drama in it, such great characters, it's so clear…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/max-lucado/the-prodigal-son-story-is-i-think-the-greatest-short-story-ever/) [Max Lucado](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/max-lucado/) > [who can duly adore that Love which will open the high gates to a prodigal who is brought in kicking, struggling, resentful, and darting…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/who-can-duly-adore-that-love-which-will-open-the-high-gates-to-a/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I did 'Prodigal Son' at Manhattan Theatre Club.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/timothee-chalamet/i-did-prodigal-son-at-manhattan-theatre-club/) [Timothee Chalamet](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/timothee-chalamet/) > [Every time I see my brother, I just praise God for God's grace in his life. Because if God can change Franklin from a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anne-graham-lotz/every-time-i-see-my-brother-i-just-praise-god-for-god-s-grace-in-his/) [Anne Graham Lotz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anne-graham-lotz/) > [If a man is miser, he will certainly have a prodigal son.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vikrant-parsai/if-a-man-is-miser-he-will-certainly-have-a-prodigal-son/) [Vikrant Parsai](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vikrant-parsai/) > [The covetous man never has money. The prodigal will have none shortly.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ben-jonson/the-covetous-man-never-has-money-the-prodigal-will-have-none-shortly/) [Ben Jonson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ben-jonson/) > [“ The Prodigal Son They gave the deep end of their heart--a hue of crimson red, They whispered their desire and offered up their…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shannon-l-alder/the-prodigal-son-they-gave-the-deep-end-of-their-heart-a-hue-of/) [Shannon L. Alder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shannon-l-alder/) ## More by Edwin Louis Cole > [The discipline of daily devotion to God undergirds decisions.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edwin-louis-cole/the-discipline-of-daily-devotion-to-god-undergirds-decisions/) [Edwin Louis Cole](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edwin-louis-cole/) > [God never ends anything on a negative; God always ends on a positive.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edwin-louis-cole/god-never-ends-anything-on-a-negative-god-always-ends-on-a-positive/) [Edwin Louis Cole](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edwin-louis-cole/) > [Knowledge of God's Word is a bulwark against deception, temptation, accusation, even persecution.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edwin-louis-cole/knowledge-of-god-s-word-is-a-bulwark-against-deception-temptation/) [Edwin Louis Cole](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edwin-louis-cole/) > [Marriage may be the closest thing to Heaven or Hell any of us will know on this earth.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edwin-louis-cole/marriage-may-be-the-closest-thing-to-heaven-or-hell-any-of-us-will/) [Edwin Louis Cole](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edwin-louis-cole/) > [Crying over what's gone won't find the present.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edwin-louis-cole/crying-over-what-s-gone-won-t-find-the-present/) [Edwin Louis Cole](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edwin-louis-cole/) > [Trust funds can never be a substitute for a fund of trust.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edwin-louis-cole/trust-funds-can-never-be-a-substitute-for-a-fund-of-trust/) [Edwin Louis Cole](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edwin-louis-cole/) > [Obedience is an act of faith; disobedience is the result of unbelief.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edwin-louis-cole/obedience-is-an-act-of-faith-disobedience-is-the-result-of-unbelief/) [Edwin Louis Cole](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edwin-louis-cole/) > [Maturity comes not with age but with the acceptance of responsibility. You are only young once but immaturity can last a lifetime!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edwin-louis-cole/maturity-comes-not-with-age-but-with-the-acceptance-of-responsibility/) [Edwin Louis Cole](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edwin-louis-cole/) > [“You don't drown by falling in the water, you drowned by staying there”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edwin-louis-cole/you-don-t-drown-by-falling-in-the-water-you-drowned-by-staying-there/) [Edwin Louis Cole](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edwin-louis-cole/) > [Building a godly life on the sand of scriptural illiteracy is impossible.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edwin-louis-cole/building-a-godly-life-on-the-sand-of-scriptural-illiteracy-is/) [Edwin Louis Cole](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edwin-louis-cole/) > [You seek the heights of manhood when you seek the depths of God.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edwin-louis-cole/you-seek-the-heights-of-manhood-when-you-seek-the-depths-of-god/) [Edwin Louis Cole](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edwin-louis-cole/) > [God will finish what He authors, but He is not obligated to finish what He has not authored.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edwin-louis-cole/god-will-finish-what-he-authors-but-he-is-not-obligated-to-finish/) [Edwin Louis Cole](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edwin-louis-cole/) > [Men are limited by the knowledge of their minds, the worth of their characters and the principles upon which they are building their lives.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edwin-louis-cole/men-are-limited-by-the-knowledge-of-their-minds-the-worth-of-their/) [Edwin Louis Cole](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edwin-louis-cole/) > [The man who seeks to please God is the man who people are pleased with. The man who seeks to please others won't satisfy…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edwin-louis-cole/the-man-who-seeks-to-please-god-is-the-man-who-people-are-pleased/) [Edwin Louis Cole](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edwin-louis-cole/) > [Character is more important than talent.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edwin-louis-cole/character-is-more-important-than-talent/) [Edwin Louis Cole](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edwin-louis-cole/) [Explore all 94 Edwin Louis Cole quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edwin-louis-cole/) ## More Christian inspirational quotes > [Eternal Trinity... mystery deep as the sea, You could give me no greater gift than the gift of Yourself. For You are a fire…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/st-catherine-of-siena/eternal-trinity-mystery-deep-as-the-sea-you-could-give-me-no-greater/) [St. Catherine of Siena](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/st-catherine-of-siena/) > [Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers. Pray for powers equal to your tasks.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/phillips-brooks/do-not-pray-for-tasks-equal-to-your-powers-pray-for-powers-equal-to/) [Phillips Brooks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/phillips-brooks/) > [God is never late, we're just impatient.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lecrae/god-is-never-late-we-re-just-impatient/) [LeCrae](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lecrae/) > [God often hides His blessing in trouble or trial, which makes it all the sweeter when it comes our way.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aiden-wilson-tozer/god-often-hides-his-blessing-in-trouble-or-trial-which-makes-it-all/) [Aiden Wilson Tozer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aiden-wilson-tozer/) > [The bumps are what you climb on.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/warren-w-wiersbe/the-bumps-are-what-you-climb-on/) [Warren W. Wiersbe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/warren-w-wiersbe/) > [No half-heartedness and no worldly fear must turn us aside from following the light unflinchingly.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-r-r-tolkien-2/no-half-heartedness-and-no-worldly-fear-must-turn-us-aside-from/) [J. R. R. Tolkien](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-r-r-tolkien-2/) > [There are many who say they want to be victorious Christians, but few are willing to endure the discipline necessary to make one a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vance-havner/there-are-many-who-say-they-want-to-be-victorious-christians-but-few/) [Vance Havner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vance-havner/) > [Let us rise above the things that pass away. Up above, the air is so pure. Jesus can hide Himself but we will find…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/therese-of-lisieux/let-us-rise-above-the-things-that-pass-away-up-above-the-air-is-so/) [Therese of Lisieux](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/therese-of-lisieux/) > [I am part of the Fellowship of the Unashamed... My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is in God's hands...…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patrick-madrid/i-am-part-of-the-fellowship-of-the-unashamed-my-past-is-redeemed-my/) [Patrick Madrid](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patrick-madrid/) > [Be much alone with God, and take time to get thoroughly acquainted. Converse over everything with Him. Unburden yourself wholly -every thought, feeling, wish,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/horatius-bonar/be-much-alone-with-god-and-take-time-to-get-thoroughly-acquainted/) [Horatius Bonar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/horatius-bonar/) > [Persecution, in short, is like the goldsmith's stamp on real silver and gold - it is one of the marks of a converted man.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-c-ryle/persecution-in-short-is-like-the-goldsmith-s-stamp-on-real-silver-and/) [J. C. Ryle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-c-ryle/) > [It is part of God's plan for us that Christ shall come to us in everyone; it is in their particular role that we…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/caryll-houselander/it-is-part-of-god-s-plan-for-us-that-christ-shall-come-to-us-in/) [Caryll Houselander](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/caryll-houselander/) > [To get nations back on their feet, we must first get down on our knees.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billy-graham/to-get-nations-back-on-their-feet-we-must-first-get-down-on-our-knees/) [Billy Graham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billy-graham/) > [The word "hope" I take for faith; and indeed hope is nothing else but the constancy of faith.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-calvin/the-word-hope-i-take-for-faith-and-indeed-hope-is-nothing-else-but/) [John Calvin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-calvin/) > [The secret of the missionary is...I am His, and He is carrying out His work through me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oswald-chambers/the-secret-of-the-missionary-is-i-am-his-and-he-is-carrying-out-his/) [Oswald Chambers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oswald-chambers/) [Browse all 1,492 Christian inspirational quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/christian-inspirational/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "The pattern of the prodigal is: rebellion, ruin, repentance, reconciliation, restoration.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Edwin Louis Cole" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edwin-louis-cole/the-pattern-of-the-prodigal-is-rebellion-ruin-repentance/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Christian inspirational" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edwin-louis-cole/the-pattern-of-the-prodigal-is-rebellion-ruin-repentance/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dcf/edwin-louis-cole-7164_christian-inspiratio_the-pattern-of-the-prodigal-is-rebellion_815268.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dcf/edwin-louis-cole-7164_christian-inspiratio_the-pattern-of-the-prodigal-is-rebellion_815268.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dcf/edwin-louis-cole-7164_christian-inspiratio_the-pattern-of-the-prodigal-is-rebellion_815268.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“The pattern of the prodigal is: rebellion, ruin, repentance, reconciliation, restoration.” — Edwin Louis Cole", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Edwin Louis Cole", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edwin-louis-cole/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "The pattern of the prodigal is:...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edwin-louis-cole/the-pattern-of-the-prodigal-is-rebellion-ruin-repentance/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edwin-louis-cole/the-pattern-of-the-prodigal-is-rebellion-ruin-repentance/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```