The Last Thing I’ll Say

Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.

Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.

Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

Holy Spirit, which version do I repeat for you to transform me?

To truly believe it.
Live in it.
Walk in it.

I reflect over human brokenness.
I reflect over my many mistakes.
I reflect over your blood.

While I was actively spitting in your face, you died to forgive me.
“Forgive them, Lord, for they know not what they do!”

The humility you show, the love and the care—
I want to imitate you, but I’ll need your grace to get me there.

I say it in my head, and I even believe it in my heart.
But there’s also pain—
a slow-moving stream flowing from my heart.

I can’t dismiss it, plug it up, or pretend it’s not there.
I search for a right answer and scramble to everything I know.

Therapy would tell me I can’t be dismissive of the hurt. I must validate it!
I betray myself when I act like it’s not there.

The Holy Spirit tells me it’s prideful to treat this like a Taylor Swift song—
to make beautiful art by calling out others for doing wrong.

You don’t desire anyone to feel guilt or shame;
You want us all to call on your name.

You’re where we find forgiveness, freedom, and love that transcends.

Jesus, help me be like your Father,
who would not bring your mother to disgrace!
Help my silence be powered by your grace.
Help this be the last thing about this I say.

Accusation is from the spirit of the enemy.
Accusation comes from him, not you.

The enemy tears down and destroys;
You came to bring life and make us whole again.

You forgive! You cover! You redeem!

Oh my soul, accept the word of the Lord.
For this is your modern day Psalm.

I’m no more righteous than anyone,
and no one is more righteous than I.

I humble myself.
I want to walk in love.
I want to cast every care up above.

I may not know how to fully console my heart here,
but I hand it over and trust you Lord to get me there!

Empower me to walk this out well,
Lord, the situation is yours.

This is the last thing I'll say.

-Briana Breathes