Forgiveness

Forgive us, Lord, as we forgive,

Those who have caused us pain.

Let us, like You, not hold a grudge,

Nor look for hurt again.

Teach us to draw, Your love within,

Our hurting heart and soul;

Let anger not destroy Your peace,

But help us take control.

With eyes and heart fixed firm on You,

We learn how to forgive,

To live our lives the way You show,

Not into feelings give.

Though we would run a thousand miles,

Or call down sheets of flame;

You teach that we are called to love,

Not allocate the blame.

You see inside the hearts of man,

And why they do us wrong,

We need to place our trust in You,

To know that You are strong.

Strong to defend Your hurting child;

To show the culprit grace,

If they've done wrong, then You know why,

It's You they have to face.

And as we see them facing You,

In all their sin and shame,

We know that we must stand there too,

Accept our share of blame.

We thank You that You did the work,

That You might us forgive;

We need to follow in Your steps,

That all of us might live.

For none of us are blameless,

Nor worthy in our right,

We need to claim Your precious Blood,

To come into God's sight.

And only You can cover,

Our sins; that we might live,

In peace with one another,

As we learn how to forgive.

And Father You are gracious,

To help us when we try,

It only takes our willingness;

You answer when we cry.

So teach us, Abba, Father,

Your peace and joy and love,

That we might love each other,

And all join You above.

© 16-26/5/00