a gift for the offender

"Any moderately perceptive and reasonably honest observer of humanity has to acknowledge that we are remarkably prone to doing bad things - and, more disturbingly, things we acknowledge to be wrong. And when we add to this calculus the deeds we insist are justified even when the unanimous testimony of our friends and neighbors condemns us - well, the picture is anything but pretty."*

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Last night at work I intentionally punished my friend over and over again because I was in a sore mood. I coldly snubbed any attempt at communication and stormed out the door without offering an apology to the offended (my friend and God).  

Before I went to sleep, I acknowledged like a stubborn child that I was in the wrong but layered justification upon justification, crossed my arms and refused to repent. I went to sleep angry and full of grief. 

It wasn't until this late morning that I came to my senses - by the grace of God - and decided to ask for forgiveness from my friend...and make it up via dark chocolate. I later discovered that prior to receiving my gift and apology, he had come bearing a gift for me, the hardened offender. 

It was a sweet reminder of the gospel of Jesus. He reached out to me in my wickedness. His love, like my friend's melts my heart of stone. 

*Alan Jacobs, Original Sin