When the father runs out to meet his prodigal younger son, the former has nothing to gain, no profit motive, no angle: he is simply overflowing with love for his child for no other reason than the latter is his child. Likewise, our heavenly Father needs nothing from us, and he does not love us because of what we do; he loves us for who we are, not as defined by our often-sinful actions, but as defined by our relationship to him. We are his beloved creation, and, through baptism, his beloved children. When we were still rebels, sunk in sin and staunch in opposition to his divine sovereignty, God came running into the world to meet us, his arms stretched wide on the Cross in order to embrace our prodigal selves.
Glory, O Lord, to thy fathomless love and mercy!