Hope for Relationships [poem] / [Guest Post]
I was scrolling through my feed on the gram and the first lines of this poem caught my eye. Written by my dear friend, Kerrie, whom I used to go to church with, she so eloquently and accurately captured the essence of relationships and the complexity of our inner selves striving to be a good friend.
Is there someone in your mind
that rolls around in there?
She did this to me, how could he?
It simply is not fair.
Just stewing on your anger
in your mind you hit replay
and think of all the sassy things
if you had the gall you'd say.
This thing they do annoys me.
This past hurt I can't let go.
You say to just forgive them?
But how do I let that go?
Relationships are tricky,
two impure people side by side.
Inevitably you'll be hurt
sin and selfishness can't hide.
Each of us has felt it-
anger, control, bitterness, greed.
Jealousy, envy, pride,
is what all our conflicts breed.
But there is hope that's stronger
and can free us from this snare
of being controlled by another
when we let bitterness linger there.
A hope of grace and rescue
from ourselves and what we let stew.
We can put to death this trap
and let peace and love ensue.
Keep your heart with vigilance
for from it flow springs of life.
We all have hearts that need to change
if any relationship be made right.
The Giver of grace is willing
he hears your whisper and your shout.
And by his Spirit's power
he can change you from the inside out.
The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life.
None who run to this fountain will thirst.
For we will walk in newness of life
because Christ was raised to glory first.
If he can conquer sin and death
and reign and rule at God's right hand,
then there is no relationship
that is too hard for his command.
Whatever is true, whatever is lovely
whatever is just and pure,
our God has made a way for peace
as we humble ourselves, he'll restore.
Our hope is in our Savior
who has perfectly related to all.
And because he's walked our trials
he thinks our conflicts no thing small.
Freedom is found in his love
and in his lavish grace we stand.
As we extend this grace to friends
with a generous open hand.
Let compassion rule the day.
Humility, meekness, patience, prayer too.
Look for the good in this person
Be at peace as much as depends on you.
In Christ we have a hope
it has called us out by name.
An inheritance of glory
where none will be put to shame.
And one day when we get there
Oh how enlightened our hearts will be.
All the wrestling with each other
a blip on the radar of eternity.
