Bad Memories

By Rhiannonw

Sun, 07 Jun 2015
  • 1960 reads
7 comments
 

Continuing the idea of one of my old hymns on Sundays:

Bad memories can’t be erased,
but Christ can quell all hate;
can help us pity – make us see
our own imperfect state.

     Love does not keep a list or record,
     it does not harbour resentment, grudges,
     and love does not delight in evil,
     but rejoices with the truth.

Love knows that God can change men’s souls:
does not assume they’ll still
repeat their hurtful, thoughtless ways,
and always treat us ill.

Love is not quick to judge, condemn;
to gossip gives no ear;
not eager to find fault; does not
of sins delight to hear.

Love wants to help a sinner rise;
– not glad to see his shame;
prefers to find things to commend
than speak of guilt and blame.

Love praises God for other saints* –
God’s mighty work within.
It notices his work of grace,
more than remaining sin.

I need God mastering memory’s thoughts;
let Jesus have his way.
I must remember Christ himself,
and what he did, each day.

* 'saints' is simply a Bible word for those believing in Jesus, and so belonging to God.

Tune: Wondrous Grace by J McGranahan (tune of ‘I know not why God’s wondrous grace’).

[Love … keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. (1 Cor.13:5,6)]

http://rhiannonshymns.co.uk/

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Comments

Submitted by Deliberately Ev... on

Lovely poem. Aren't we blessed that God is Love and therefore views us the way he does. 

The beat of your heart is the mellifluent rhythm to my soul.

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you AE. and if we are forgiven, we must be willing to forgive others, and help if we can if they want to change from any enmity or antagonism. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Deliberately Ev... on

That's what I keep telling myself every day. To be forgiving of others. Otherwise we can hardly expect to be forgive ourselves.

The beat of your heart is the mellifluent rhythm to my soul.

Submitted by jeand on

Hi Rhiannon

I often think of my father-in-law telling me that his idea of what happens when we die, is that we are made to wait before we get to heaven until we have properly  forgiven all those who have harmed us in any way, and also anyone we have harmed has forgiven us. I'm not sure that is very fair - but it makes an interesting theory.

Jean

Jean Day

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Hi, Jean. Sounds like an idea to encourage people to get on with being forgiving now! Seriously, of course, it is now we need to nurture a forgiving and loving attitude, with God's help, concerned for others not remaining in a state of hostility that is harming them. Love is the fruit of the Holy Spirit, receiving Him we are loved and helped to grow in being loving! Must get back to Cow Hey today! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

Rhiannon - I completely missed this, and I normally look forward to your regular postings in the same vein.  The important thing is that I have found it now.

Actually, it reminded me of when I was a child, and I did something naughty one day, can't really remember what it was.  Nothing major...just a childhood prank on a friend.  As I recall, I met this friend's mother in town when I was on my way to school the next morning, and she stopped me in the street, and I thought I was really for the high jump. Instead, she bent down and kissed me on the top of the head, and told me to run along to school, as I'd probably been punished enough by my own conscience.  She was dead right, and that kiss taught me much more than any rap on the knuckles could have done.

Thanks again for posting this series, Rhiannon.  You put such hard work into it, and from my perspective, it really pays off.

Tina

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thanks, Tina. Glad to know that.
Interesting tale! I have memories of my father taking up some unkind behaviour towards my sister, and on my asking how he knew, he said 'A little bird told him!' and I looked out in the garden puzzled, imagining a bird had gone down from there to his office. But he did give me a wise talking to, that impressed me, about not presuming on forgiveness, but to think on the harm done, and want to avoid behaviour and words that hurt others. I think it must have been a timely word! Rhiannon