Please Forgive Me

 

Please Forgive Me

 

For every time my response was a harsh word

   rather than showing Christ-like kindness

     please forgive me

For when I acted with self-centeredness

   rather than displaying Christ-like sacrifice

     please forgive me

For all the answers coming from frustration

   rather than having Christ-like patience

      please forgive me

For every moment of insensitivity

   rather than seeking Christ-like understanding

      please forgive me

For whenever I wanted my needs met

    rather than offering Christ-like compassion

       please forgive me

For when I met your brokenness with anger

    rather than giving Christ-like grace

       please forgive me

For every time your heartache hardened me

    rather than having Christ-like mercy

       please forgive me

For all the times I failed to be who you needed

    rather than being a Christ-like companion

       please forgive me

For when disappointment closed my heart

    rather than opening to Christ-like love

       please forgive me

 

“There is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.”

 

mark d. cooke, 3-31-23

 

 

I Choose Forgiveness

 

I Choose Forgiveness

Because of Your undeserved mercy

   i choose forgiveness

Because I hear You from the tree

    “Father forgive them,

      for they know not what they do.”

  i choose forgiveness

Amid feelings of abandonment

  i choose forgiveness

When trust is replaced with betrayal

  i choose forgiveness

In the face of accusations

      by the enemy of my soul

  i choose forgiveness

When the spirit of condemnation

    overwhelms me

  i choose forgiveness

Because unforgiveness is a poison

  i choose forgiveness

When the hurt rises back up

  i choose forgiveness

When surrounded by confusion

    misunderstanding and injustice

  i choose forgiveness

Since without it I’m held captive

  i choose forgiveness

Because I desire healing and wholeness

  i choose forgiveness

Because it is Your will for me

  i choose forgiveness

 

mark d. cooke, 3-25-23