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The Test
The second [commandment] is like it,
‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’
—Jesus (Matthew 22:39, NASB1995)
Is every trial just a self-created test?
Perhaps we do not grow until we have been stressed.
How do we pass the test, so that we may be blessed?
Perhaps we need to treat our neighbor like a guest.
Perhaps we need to listen to his small request.
Perhaps we need to share provisions from our nest.
A neighbor is our kin, though he may be hard-pressed.
No greater love—to give our best, then we can rest.
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Deathbed Request
Forgive, and you will be forgiven. (ESV)
Pardon, and you will be pardoned. (NASB1995)
Release, and ye shall be released. (YLT)
—Jesus, Luke 6:37
Give me release from all my fears.
My passage from this old world nears,
and I would be at peace today,
so my forgiveness I’d convey
to everyone from prior years.
I hope that everyone who hears
my plea for pardon quickly clears
his mind of all my errant ways.
__Give me release!
Now that I have forgiven peers
and asked for pardon from my dears,
I can slip off this heavy clay
and confidently hear Him say,
“Your debt for sin no more appears.
__You are released!”
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Alan Steinle, originally from Oklahoma, is a writer, editor, and translator.
Alan,
Beautiful poems…they read like prayers, both of them. Loved the second one…perhaps because I have a fondness for a rondeau.
Keep writing!
Paddy
Good scriptures pondering Scripture, Alan. I am impressed by the monorhyming in “The Test.” “Deathbed Request” shows how different translations contribute to full understanding. I have heard that the Author of the original can reach through any competent translation to convey His particular message to readers whom He knows will encounter Him there.
Nicely done, Alan! Reverential, profound. Keep them coming!!!
I love scripture based poems and this is a very nice pair, great job!
Thank you for your comments.