I could choose to feel resentment
Toward those who’ve done me wrong.
I could choose to harbor hate
And let its hold on me grow strong.
I could just ignore my conscience…
Forget all that Jesus taught…
Become a slave to Satan…
Forsake the freedom Christ has bought.
But would that hand me happiness?
Promise me true peace of mind?
Promote any good or Godliness?
Be a witness to mankind?
No!! I refuse to shrug redemption…
To sell His sacrifice so short…
To allow these adverse feelings
To take advantage of my heart!!
Yes, I could choose un-forgiveness
Maybe some would cheer this choice
After all, I’ve been so sorely wronged
And wrong should have a voice!
But…then… I remember Jesus…
All His shame and suffering…
His cruel death upon a Cross
Just to save my soul from sin!
He could have opted for revenge…
Demanded justice from above…
But instead of anger and reproach
His first and only choice was love.
So if Christ is my example…
And I choose like He’d intend…
Then love must be my only choice
So I am choosing love…Amen.
Doris Jacobs-Covington
Matthew 6:14-15 NIV
For if you forgive men when they sin against you,
your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do
not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Matthew 18: 21-22 NIV
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, " Lord, how many
times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me?
Up to seven times? " Jesus answered, " I tell you, not seven
times, but seventy-seven times."
John 8:7 NIV
When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up
and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him
be the first to throw a stone at her."
Luke 23:33-34 NIV When they came to a place called the Skull, there they
crucified him, along with the criminals - one on his right,
the other on his left, Jesus said, "Father, forgive them,
for they do not know what they are doing."