I stood at the booking counter one day
next to a prisoner I hated in the worst way.
In fact, of all the people I had ever arrested
there had never been anyone I more detested.
There had never been anyone I so wanted to hurt.
For in every way, he was a seething jerk.
I remember standing there, wanting him to swing
knowing he had no idea the reaction it would bring.
Yes, there had never been anyone I hated so much.
All I needed was his mistake. His slightest touch.
I remember I was so angry, I was ready to kill
and might have, if given my own free will.
Then something happened I didn’t expect.
There came a Friends voice at the side of my neck.
It was one I recognized from many times before
the words caught me off guard, they struck at my core.
The words of my Friend who was now at my side
quickly stole my anger and inside I cried.
I remember saying, "Oh God, is this really you?
Please don’t say I have to love him too."
?
But the words came back the same as before.
His words were true and I couldn’t ignore.
I wouldn’t have listened if they came from another,
the words He spoke twice were, "He is your brother."
This was many years ago but I think of it still.
Then and now, I’ve chosen to follow His will.
Now in your life there will be those you hate
if you continue this path it will seal your fate.
But if you let go, if you turn the other cheek,
you’ll find the Savior’s love can be so sweet.