Understanding

(Matt. 5:44 AND Rom. 12:14 … “Pray for those who persecute you.”)

I do not understand the hate,
The anger, the desire to harm
That causes one to join a group
Whose only aim is “Kill” and “Maim”
Because of how we choose to live.

I pray for those with none to pray:
For anyone who’d wield the sword
When heads of Christians rolled away;
And for the one who left the bomb
Along the route where others ran.

Lord, open eyes, and ears, and hearts.
Forgive them for their errant ways.
Dissolve their anger, Lord, the hate
That causes them to wish to harm
A soul whose only “crime” is love!

As from the Cross that day You prayed,
“Father, forgive. They do not know,”
Lord, help Your children understand
That though all sin, You have control.
Help us remember, You’re the judge,
And You desire that all be saved