"Forgive"

Lots of talk ‘bout brotherhood,

But we don’t love the way we should,

We’d do better if we would,

Just turn the other cheek.

And if we did our God would bless,

He’d give us grace to pass the test,

Responding more, reacting less,

Our anger to defeat.

Don’t take revenge or hold a grudge,

Our bitterness the Lord will judge,

So wash out all the slime and sludge,

And by His stripes be healed.

Do not let the sun go down,

On your anger or your frown,

For if you do the devil’s found,

Your head will be so filled.

Forgive with generosity,

The same He did for you and me,

And by it we have been set free,

It’s what the Lord expects.

And we will do it if we can,

Against it we will take our stand,

Cancel debt with open hand,

Praise for what happens next.

“…bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.” (Colossians 3:13, NAS)

it’s something we have to learn, and has never been easy. We do not naturally get along with people, especially those who disappoint or hurt us in some way. But we are those who have experienced the grace of God, and are called upon to share it as freely as we’ve received it. Still, grace is required to get it done. The good news is that we can count on God to help and heal us every time.

Lord, teach us to forgive the way You have forgiven us, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Tim Cox, used by permission. Thanks, Tim, and God bless you.