TURNING THE OTHER CHEEK / by Joe Castorino

I would always fight to win,

For me, it was a matter of pride,

So I stubbornly argued,

Twisting reason and then 

Fracturing the truth,

Like a prisoner on the rack;

But now I’m slowly learning

To follow the way of the cross,

So when I’m confronted and

When I’m fiercely challenged,

In simplicity I speak the truth,

Then when my adversary

Insists and angrily persists,

I calmly turn the other cheek

And embrace the cross,

Experiencing the bitterness

Of ridicule and rejection,

The painful suffering of

Vindictive vehement insults

That bloodily slash and tear

At my heart and sensitive soul;

But the good God is so good,

Truly He is never outdone in

Generosity, for He pours the

Sweet balm of the Spirit

Into my wounds and rescues me

From the snares of the enemy,

I rest in His gentleness and patience,

I experience true joy in Him,

For His courage conquers all,

Driving away apparent obstacles,

And with a smile in my soul,

I approach the Sea of Mercy,

I approach it with great trust!