The Chains and the Cross

I held a stone within my hand,
A weight I thought was small -
But day by day, it grew and grew,
Till it became my all.

I whispered, “Lord, they've wronged my soul,
Their words have me deep”.
He answered softly, “Forgive as I forgive,
and you shall reap.”

But anger brewed and bitterness
took root within my heart;
The peace that once had filled my soul
Began to fall apart.

I clung unto that heavy stone,
And would not set it free;
Unforgiveness forged a chain
That bound not them – but me.

Then at the cross, I saw His face,
The thorns, the crimson flow;
He bore the scars of all my sins,
The debt I still did owe.

He looked at me with mercy's eyes,
And whispered, “Child, forgive -
For as I gave my life for you,
So you must also live.”

I dropped the stone, it hit the ground.
The chains fell from my soul;
His love rushed in where hate had been,
And grace made my heart whole.

Now when I see the wounds of men,
I think upon His tree -
Forgiveness isn't weakness shown,
It's Christ alive in me!

(Eph. 4:31-32) (Matt. 6:14-15) (Col. 3:13)