Forbearance
Lord, grant me the gift of forbearance,
A merciful spirit I pray,
That suffers the wrongs of another
And seeks not the ill to repay.
Lord, help me be kind and forgiving
I who Thy forgiveness have known
So oft for my many transgressions.
Grant me, lord, a love like Thine own.
Thou who didst once suffer for sinners
Such bitter reproach and disdain,
Fill me with that same gentle spirit,
That reviled, still reviles not again.
Lord, grant me the gift of forbearance,
Thy tender, compassionate grace,
That others beholding my visage
The light of Thy likeness may trace.
--Avis B. Christiansen
