Could you,

Would you, if you could,

Remain calm

If one or more

Insulted your claim

To paternity,

Declaring your father

Not to be your father?

 

Could you,

Would you, if you could,

Remain calm

If one or more

Insulted your identity,

The person that you are,

Declaring you to be

A fraud?

 

Could you,

Would you, if you could,

Remain calm

If one or more

Insulted your allegiance

To the living God,

Declaring you to be

A servant of Satan?

 

Could you,

Would you, if you could,

Remain calm

If one or more

Insulted your obedience

To religious instruction,

Declaring you to be

In the wrong?

 

Could you,

Would you, if you could,

Remain calm

If one or more

Of those who were close friends

Insulted you,

By wondering if you cared

They were in danger?

 

Could you,

Would you, if you could,

Remain calm

If one or more

Insulted you

For seeking and following

Every direction

That God gives you to take,

Disregarding the cost?

 

Could you, 

Would you, if you could,

Remain calm

If one or more

Insulted your purpose,

Falsely accusing you,

Cruelly abusing you,

And putting you to death?

Could you, would you

Forgive them?

 

. . . Jesus did.