Insults

Insults! Accusations! Judgments!
All have been lobbed at me
By one who professes Christ, but loves me not.
With bitter words this child has wounded me;
With unforgiveness this babe has assaulted my name
And the work of the Spirit in my life.

I extended apology and received scorn;
I attempted to make amends, but was smitten with degradation,
Whilst my identity in Christ was criticized.
O Lord, how my flesh longs to crush this rival,
To rise up with eloquent words and destroy every argument--
Yet You have called me to love.

My Savior was questioned, but He answered with kindness;
Reviled, but He never reviled in return,
Even though He would have been just in His defense.
Instead, He left all in Your sovereign hands,
Likely recalling that vengeance is Yours.
"I will repay," says the Lord.

Thus I ask that You would increase my love
And decrease my anger, unless it be righteous,
All the while working on the heart of my foe.
May Your child, if Your child she be,
Have the clarity to see the plank in her own eye
As You remove her focus from the speck in mine.