What does pride have to do with offense, and how do they relate to unforgiveness and result in alienation from God and loved ones? It's hard to see most of the time, especially when you're right. We've all been there, haven't we?

Let's consider the following scenario. You and your brother are both invited to a very special party in honor of a mutual friend. Your brother had been planning for this party for weeks and carefully picked out a beautiful gift which he knew his friend would appreciate.

Your gift, on the other hand, had been hurriedly purchased on the way with little regard as to whether or not your friend would like it. The recipient absolutely loves your brother's gift and makes quite a show of it. You feel the blood rushing up into your face as your friend reaches for your gift. Rage is beginning to rise up. You are mad at your brother for giving something that highly accentuates the contrast between his and yours. Sure enough; you are thoroughly humiliated in front of everyone for your contribution.

As you stomp out the door, you friend follows you, asking why you are mad. You don't say anything. You're not trying to defend your choice of a gift; you just want to get out of there. Now you're mad at your friend as well as your brother!

What happens if you should wander off, ignore the pleas of your friend and brother, and sulk alone with your thoughts? Soon your thoughts will be taking a hold of you and confirm that indeed you have the right to be mad.

You know that your gift was far below the quality you really would have loved to have given your special friend. You also know that your brother had brought a present worthy of appreciation for a true and faithful comrade. After all, this particular friend would risk his own life to save yours.

You now have become jealous of your brother and resentful of your very best friend for being disappointed. He has done so much for you both and you rewarded him with a trinket and attitude of nonchalance. It was a symbol of ingratitude and irreverence.

What happens when jealousy controls you? Could it be a sign that you consider yourself better than the other person? If the other has been commended for his generosity, then why shouldn't the quality of your gift as well as yourself be overlooked? After all, it shouldn't be the cost of the gift that counts, right?

Ah! But doesn't the gift reflect the giver's heart? The guest of honor discerned the heart, and consequently gave you ample chance to explain and ask for forgiveness.

Isn't that a picture of God? Doesn't He give you everything and want the very best for you? He deserves to be honored at all times, whether you feel like it or not. He is looking for those who give with a cheerful heart; not out of duty.

Abel gave the first, perfect lamb from his flock of the season with a heart full of gratitude and reverence to God. Cain gave an offering of fruit and vegetables. (Gen. 4: 3-4) It does not specify whether it had been the first, most precious produce or should have been a lamb as a blood sacrifice. God knew that Cain's heart was not in his gift.

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