Forgiving Is For Giving Poem by Denis Martindale

Forgiving is so hard to do,
Let's keep it to ourselves
And let's forget each chance to view
God's Bibles on those shelves...
And let's forget the tears we see
When others plead their cause,
Like we've not heard of Calvary
God meant to open doors...

Forgiving is so hard, I know,
No need to grit your teeth,
Just tell such people they should go,
Deserving all their grief...
Then watch them walk away heads bowed,
Because you're in the right,
Why should your pardon be allowed?
Hold back with all your might...

That's what I thought, till God found me,
Forgiving all my sins,
From gruesome guilt He set me free,
As if somehow He wins...
He took my heart and broke it fast,
In seconds, I found peace,
Yes, peace that God has meant to last,
Else why grant me release?

'Forgiving is for giving, son...'
That's what God seemed to say
And once His miracle was done,
Not one could take away...
So now He watches from above,
Will I show pardon, too?
Will I forgive and share God's love,
Let God make all things new?

Or will I stumble like a clown,
Not fit for Kingdom use?
If so, I'll let my Saviour down
Each time that I refuse...
Oh, Lord! I tremble at the thought!
But it's so hard and yet,
Grant strength that I do what I ought,
Teach me not to forget...