How to Forgive!

In order to forgive someone
	This lesson must be learned,
Forgiveness does not make 'OK'
	Nor can it ever be earned.

Forgiveness is the only way
	To set a prisoner free.
For in order to keep a prisoner
	You must a prisoner be.

It makes sense to break the chain
        That binds your heart to pain.
For when we do choose to forgive
	We learn to live again.

Now if you say, "I can't forgive
        There is just no use in trying
I can't forget the past. I surly will
       Think of it when I am dieing!"

Now no one ever yet has gone
	From "I can't" to "I can"
For the chasm between the two
	Defies each mortal man.

So, how then can it ever be
        That we can forgive another
When even with the help of Christ
       I can't forgive my bother?

First, You must tell the truth,
 	It's not a matter of CAN but Will
Stop saying you would if you could
     When you desire for vengeance still

When you are honest with God
	And tell Him your true desire
He will cauterize your pain away
	With His holy fire.

You say that you have tried it
	And it hasn't done a thing
The memory of the past
	Still holds a bitter sting.

Now  don't give up on God
	But go to Him in prayer
Tell Him of your problem
	Give to Him your care.

Until the time shall finally come
	When the past holds no pain
Although you may still remember
	It will not be the same.

For you have found that Christ
	Has kept His pledge to you
That through your forgiving heart
	He has brought you through.

Dr. G.H.VanSandt June, 1997