2) Go first to find your brother,
   Your sister or your friend.
   Do not reveal to others
   The hurt you need to mend.
   Confront in humble spirit
   The one whose sin caused pain
   That he might seek forgiveness
   and you a friend regain.
3) When bitter anger tempts you
   To nurse your broken heart
   With brooding thoughts of hatred
   And vows of vengeance start.
   Pray to the Lord of Pardon
   For power to release
   Each selfish act against you
   That rage might in you cease.
4) O Father, Son, and Spirit,
   O Patient Trinity,
   Who lifts from us sin's burden
   And from its debt sets free.
   Grant us the will to pardon
   All those who us offend
   That we might enter heaven
   With them when ages end.
(C)1990 Robert E. Smith. Permission is granted herewith to freely copy, distribute, use or perform for non-commercial purposes, provided this notice remains attached. All other rights are reserved. Notes: Based on Matt. 18:15-35, to be sung to the tune "Aurelia." For Series A gospels, 16th & 17th Pentecost. Written 9/20/90. Debut 9/23/90 at Messiah/Wolcottville. This hymn was first published in LUTHERAN DIGEST, 38 (1991) no. 4:31.