We frequent a hard-to-find restaurant because the food is good, and their portions are generous. Especially their soft-serve ice cream . . . except for one time. A new employee hadn’t reset the temperature after refilling the machine, and the ice cream was all mush. We smiled, laughed with them at the runny ice cream, and stopped by an ice cream shop on our way home.
In contrast, there’s another place we used to frequent. Friendly hosts, good food, and walking distance from home. They knew our names and gave my wife a free slice of cake on her birthday. Then, new owners took over. Higher prices, smaller portions, and fewer smiles. We gave them a second chance several weeks later, then moved on. (Always forgive a bad day.)
God made us for friendship. He used go for walks with Adam and Eve in the afternoon just as many of us do with friends. Even after Adam and Eve violated God’s friendship, He didn’t abandon them. At great cost to Himself, He redeemed their relationship.
Even now, He stands in the path of every person, inviting relationship. Despite all the ways we spoil the ice cream, overprice the sandwiches, or snap at others, He remains gracious, holding less against us than we deserve.1 He understands us, He knows what we’re saddled with (e.g., sin), and He also knows what we’re capable of. Not just things like exploring Space or performing open-heart surgery, but things like forgiving others, loving our enemies, or accepting humiliation for doing the right thing.
We gave up on a restaurant after two strikes. God is not like that. He keeps watching for us, and He welcomes our return.2 Perhaps the best rule of thumb in all relationships is, be generous in giving and patient in receiving. That’s called “godliness.”
