Learning Not To Bite Back

 

You told us this life would be rough,
But following You through
Would help us deal with the hard parts.
My hope, Lord, rests in You.
 
You called us to love each other
As You have so loved us.
I suspect that also includes
Those who seem prone to fuss.
 
The world is full of cranky folk,
Insisting they are right.
It doesn’t matter if they are,
They’re looking for a fight.
 
I might have been that way myself,
One time, or maybe twice.
I’m grateful You reminded me
To settle down, be nice.
 
I’m still working on patience, Lord,
And learning to give grace,
Even to the most annoying
Of all the human race.
 
I’m not the worst, still not the best
At loving as You loved,
But I have learned not to bite back
When I am pushed or shoved.
 
Instead, I heed the instructions
You gave while You were here.
I pray for them, I give them grace,
Knowing You hold them dear.
 
I’m learning to see them as Yours,
Ignore their call to fight.
When I focus on loving them,
I’m less inclined to bite.
 
John 15:12
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.