The Parable of Amipotent Love
By Paul Dazet
The Prodigal Son parable reveals amipotent love as a force of freedom and grace that defies control.
Imagine a world where love isn’t about control or manipulation but about letting go and giving others the freedom to choose. Picture a parent who learns that the truest form of love is not in demanding perfect obedience but in offering grace and understanding, even when it’s tough. This kind of love is not just theoretical; it’s practical and deeply personal. It’s what we see in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, and it is something I have had to personally grapple with as a parent.
When I think about my journey with parenting, especially with my youngest, Micah, I realize how much I’ve learned about love and grace. With my older kids, I often fell into the trap of being a “strict dad,” where my approach was more about enforcing rules and less about understanding their hearts. It didn’t always go well. But with Micah, I’ve tried to do things differently. I’ve learned to be more patient, more forgiving, and less focused on ensuring he always follows the rules perfectly. Through this, I’ve come to appreciate the beauty of amipotent love—the kind of love that is about giving others the freedom to be themselves, even if that means making mistakes.
Amipotence, a term coined by Thomas Jay Oord, blends the Latin words for “love” and “power” to define God’s power as the power of love, not the power of control.[1] This concept reframes divine power not as coercive or manipulative but as relational and liberating. It’s about allowing freedom and offering grace, even when it’s difficult, as illustrated in the Parable of the Prodigal Son.
In the Parable of the Prodigal Son, we don’t just see a story of rebellion and redemption; we see a radical redefinition of divine power. Here, God isn’t the cosmic puppeteer pulling strings from on high; He’s the Father who lets His children choose their path, even when it means watching them fall.
A Portrait of Rebellion and Extravagant Grace
The Prodigal Son doesn’t just defy his father; he turns the family’s world upside down. Asking for his inheritance while his father is still alive is like saying, “I wish you were dead.” This act of rebellion wasn’t just a personal affront; it was a public scandal. The younger son squanders his inheritance in reckless living, sinking into a pit of desperation. But here’s where the story takes a radical turn. Instead of finding anger or rejection waiting for him upon his return, he’s met with something even more shocking: extravagant grace.
The father doesn’t just forgive him; he throws him a party. This act of forgiveness is scandalous and revolutionary. It defies every expectation of justice and retribution. The father’s love is a powerful declaration that no matter how far we stray or how badly we mess up, we are always welcome back. It’s a love that refuses to be constrained by our failures or societal norms.
A Story of Self-Righteousness and Persistent Invitation
Now, let’s talk about the elder son. In theory, he seems to be the model child. He stayed home, worked hard, and followed the rules. However, his reaction to his brother’s return reveals a deep-seated resentment and a sense of entitlement. He believes his years of faithful service earn him greater favor and reward, and he therefore resents the lavish attention given to his wayward brother.
The father’s response to the elder son is just as revealing of amipotent love. Instead of reprimanding him for his bitterness, the father goes out to him, showing patience and understanding. He doesn’t force his son to join the celebration; he simply invites him, emphasizing that the love and joy of the family are for everyone, not just those who’ve played by the rules. This gesture highlights the father’s commitment to maintaining a relationship with both of his sons, regardless of their attitudes or actions.
The parable leaves us hanging, as we never hear how the elder son responds. This open-ended conclusion challenges us to examine our own hearts. Are we like the elder son, struggling with self-righteousness and a sense of unfairness, or are we willing to embrace the radical inclusivity of the father’s love?
Amipotence: A New Paradigm for Relationships
Reflecting on the father’s actions, we see a powerful model for how we might approach our relationships. Amipotence, defined as love that is freely given and not coercive, challenges us to move beyond mere rule-following and towards embracing a deeper, more relational understanding of love.
This means letting go of our need to control others or expect repayment for our kindness. In our interactions, whether with friends, family, or even strangers, we are invited to practice unconditional love. This involves extending grace without conditions, much like the father did for his sons. It’s about creating spaces where people feel valued and accepted, regardless of their mistakes or differences.
For me, this has been particularly evident in how I’ve approached parenting my youngest son, Micah. I’ve found that by letting go of rigid expectations and embracing a more compassionate approach, our relationship has thrived. It’s not always easy, and there are moments when I struggle with wanting to impose rules or corrections. But I’m learning that true love often means allowing others to make their own choices and offering support and understanding when they need it most.
Amipotence also challenges us to confront any self-righteousness we might harbor. It invites us to look beyond our own need to be seen as “good” or deserving and to recognize that everyone is on their own journey. Just as the elder son needed to confront his own attitudes, we too must examine our hearts for any signs of judgment or entitlement.
The Transformative Power of Amipotent Love
The Parable of the Prodigal Son is a radical call to embrace amipotent love—a love so transformative it redefines power and grace. This love doesn’t control; it liberates. It doesn’t punish; it heals. It doesn’t demand; it welcomes.
The Parable of the Prodigal Son, or more aptly, “The Compassionate Father and His Two Lost Sons,” is a profound illustration of amipotent love. Unlike traditional notions of omnipotence, which focus on exerting control or power, amipotence reveals a love that is both strong and gentle. It’s a love that chooses to limit itself in order to allow others the freedom to choose, even if it means enduring pain or rejection.
In the father’s actions, we see a reflection of divine love that is not bound by human expectations or standards. It is a love that embraces us exactly as we are, offering a path to healing and reconciliation. This kind of love transforms our relationships, inviting us to move beyond mere compliance and engage with others in a way that is truly compassionate and inclusive.
As we reflect on the story and its implications, we are invited to embody this amipotent love in our own lives. Whether in our roles as parents, friends, or community members, we are called to offer grace without limits, to let go of our need for control, and to embrace others with a love that is both generous and understanding. In doing so, we participate in the divine work of reconciliation, creating spaces where everyone is welcomed, valued, and loved.
Bio: Paul Dazet is the Pastor of Sandy Hook UMC in Columbus, Indiana. He is an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene and a wounded healer, helping others through their trauma to find healing in Christ. Paul has been married to Stacy for 32 years, and they have three wonderful children: Rebecca (Jacob), Jacob, and Micah. Paul is Papa to his beautiful granddaughter, Cecelia Joy.
OORD’S DRABBLE* RESPONSE
Paul Dazet explores amipotent love through the lens of parenting. While drawing from his personal experience as a father, his central focus is the story Jesus told of the prodigal son. The father in that parable models non-coercive love—he does not punish, demand repayment, or impose rigid expectations. Instead, he creates space for return, acceptance, and restoration. Dazet emphasizes that such love means relinquishing entitlement and embracing compassion. The amipotent parent welcomes with open arms rather than control. Ultimately, Dazet invites us to embody this kind of love in our own lives. I found his essay deeply moving.
For more on Oord’s view of Jesus and divine relationality, see this article.
* A drabble is an essay exactly 100 words in length.
[1]. Thomas Jay Oord, Open and Relational Theology: An Introduction to Life-Changing Ideas (SacraSage Press, July 1, 2021),