Forgiveness...Sacrifice or Escape

Unforgiveness is a prison cell where two people dwell
Often it is the offended who is trapped in a living hell

Clutching to their wounded hearts the wrong and the pain
Anguished tears blot their garments with an unforgiving stain

We know what we are supposed to do but we know how we feel
How can we forgive another when we ourselves need time to heal

Emotions will lie and fight to keep you where you are
Reason will join in and remind you how long and how far

Doubt will raise its ugly head as it prepares to strike
Self demands justice and tells forgiveness to take a hike

Forgiveness is not a sacrifice but a way of true escape
From the cruelty of the tormentor's use of mental rape

Where over and over our thoughts are savagely invaded
Defenseless from this onslaught our hope has faded

On the Cross Jesus died because of my offense
Deserving no mercy I was without excuse or defense

Amazing love that died when for Him I did not care
Upon Himself He took the load that I could not bear

Forgiveness is never easy but it is always right
It is a way of life for those who walk in light

Taking another's offense and burying it at the Cross
The refiner's fire of mercy will remove our dross

Forgiveness is a key that releases you from your torment
As you give this gift to another to you GOD's healing is sent

Forgiveness doesn't mean that we forget what was done
It simply means we truly are becoming more like GOD's Son

.....peace.....