The Forgiver

it is not for you
to punish
your offender
harboring hatred
in your heart
a cruel infection
of your wound
that devours
your soul and
destroys your body...

so many of 
My daily offenders
refuse My offer to
turn away from
choosing death
over life and so
gain their
sinful inheritance
even as My hand
remains outstretched
in Mercy to 

the very end
despite liberty's abuse
but as for you
let your anger
fight for justice
instead of hatred which
only leads to self-destruction

while speaking the truth
in love - a choice
rooted in Grace
regardless of
emotion's strain -
and a motivation
for reparation
also knowing that
in the end
true justice
will prevail
as I work all things
for the good
in those who love Me...
the fruit of healing
comes from the balm
of My Grace 
to petition
a change of heart
for therein lies
transformation's fuel
hoping to gain
reconciliation's blossom... 
a forgiver's freedom
rests secure in
giving over...
letting go...
deciding to forgive
despite the heartache
joining in My Offering

on Calvary's Throne

proves sanctifying while
praying for them is 

love's expression 
since your offender's good
is also
your own and
their salvation
ushers-in
Redemption's Glory

Reflection/Discussion:

-Did anything "touch" you in the poem? Describe it and why. 
-Have you forgiven everyone in your life?
-If not, what prevents you from doing so? 
-Explain the meaning of "deciding to forgive despite the heartache"?
-How does hating "destroy" the hater?
-Does forgiving someone "let them off the hook"? Why/not?
-Does not forgiving someone "punish" them? Why/not?
-How does forgiving
-How does your enemy's salvation usher-in Redemption's Glory?