When we are met head on by our mistakes, it is sometimes impossible to pick up and resume “just like nothing happened,” especially when we must admit that we have hurt a dear friend.   Even though I deeply hurt a good friend some years back, she was determined to maintain me as a companion.  She went out of her way to see my side.  I was aware that she traveled an extra distance to help me be comfortable and to include me in family gatherings.

That’s grace and it isn’t cheap. It cost my friend a lot.  True grace always costs a price.  We shouldn’t be surprised that it’s the injured party who must not only satisfy the bill but fork over the tip. 

Extravagant mankind has waltzed into the most expensive restaurant in town and ordered the most lavish meal on the menu.  We’ve feasted on appetizers and indulged ourselves with dessert.  But we can’t pay the cashier because we are bankrupt.  We have no cash.  They won’t honor our checks.  Our credit cards have been revoked.  When we realize we can’t pay the bill, we don’t meekly ask for forgiveness.  We yell and make an ugly scene screaming how unfair life is.

No matter how verbal we become, the fact remains.  Someone must pay.  Jesus is our Savior Redeemer.  He is a gracious friend who wants to help and bail us out from our distress.  Making restitution for our thoughtless words and deeds was not easy.  It cost a monumental price.  His life.

I hate cheap grace.  But I shall be eternally grateful to a Savior who didn’t feel it was too hard a price to pay in order to buy me back.  I’m also thankful for my gracious friend who was willing to pay the price to buy back my friendship even though she was the injured party.  That’s grace.