forgiveness

we open our arms out wide 
to hug
like Jesus on the cross

welcoming the person in
holding them close, willingly 
as He held sin
arms outstretched in acceptance 
atonement for crimes He did not commit

each time i hold my arms out 
to initiate a hug
i think of Him
would He hug me
hold me willingly 
like sin being welcomed
held 
and forgiven

i try to hold pain willingly
hug it with opened arms
i welcome grief
sit with the hurt handed to me
and forgive it

i am not perfect
not as He was
i have not bled from every pore
for others
but each day, i try to work a little harder
each time someone hands me heartache 
i hold it 
open myself to pain
for the continuous opportunity
to be here for you

a hug 
cannot be compared to crucifixion
but consider it my peace offering

i am trying to forgive

with the hope of being forgiven. 

23:53pm - 20/12/23.