OUR RESPONSE TO TRIALS

We sometimes have neighbors or co-workers who
Are often unkind in the things that they do.

We’d like to get even, our rights to defend,
And never would choose them to be a close friend.

After all, we’re the ones who’ve been treated with scorn,
And our own self-assurance is battered and torn.

If we could forget the assault on our pride,
And could see them as sinners for whom Jesus died,

We’d pray for their souls, and extend Christ-like love,
While longing to help them reach Heaven above.

But if we respond as we’re tempted to do,
And show them contempt, with a tongue lashing too,

Then our efforts to win them, they’d most likely spurn,
And our chance to share Jesus might never return.

So help us, dear Lord, to draw closer to You,
and show forth Your love in whatever we do.

May we be so filled with Your Spirit each day,
That we’ll point all to Jesus, the only true Way.

By Betty Jo Mings