Self Preservation

by
Mary Katherine Kohl
November 25, 1997

Many things have been done or words were said
That pierced the heart like a bullet of lead
And though the event came and soon was gone
The sting of it all lingered on and on.
Dwelling on the past though time has marched on
Will make us miserable no mood for a song,
Because peace and joy Satan is stealing
Thus, he alone prospers if we hold an ill-feeling.
We must forgive others in a way that is right:
Leaving their flaws for only God's sight.
Sometimes it's impossible to humanly do
So we call on the Holy Spirit to see us through.
When the Lord forgives us our slate is wiped clean.
God doesn't hold grudges or see us as mean.
Yes, He gives us a chance for a whole new start.
He holds no memory of our mistakes in his heart.
If we can't forgive like the Lord intended
We have a miserable life which can't be mended.
Because an unforgiving heart is real devastation
And forgiving completely is self-preservation.

Matt. 6:12, 14-15 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
14 For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses..

Ps. 31:10 "For my life is spent with grief, And my years with sighing:
My strength fails because of my iniquities, And my bones waste away."