Turn Both Cheeks If Need Be Poem by Michael P. Johnson

Who thinks of love when hatred thrives?
When rage exceeds the norm
Does value on our neighbour’s lives
Diminish in the storm

What argument should warrant loss?
What recompenses paid?
Regard The Lamb on Calvary Cross
Before the choice is made

Before life’s dye is finally cast
Before our book is sealed
Recall the teachings of the past
What good did hatred yield?

Love is the spring and driving force
Love is our guiding light
Love is to God the only source
To stand and win each fight

Our neighbours right and to the left
Plagued with demonic lies
Can’t see Life’s Saviour in the cleft
For darkness in their eyes

We need to shine as Jesus told
Let selfless love abound
That sheep yet lost may find the fold
That leads to higher ground

Through love let others learn to see
The glory of our King
By turning both cheeks if need be
Salvation’s song to sing

We’ll win the day because of love
We’ll soften hearts of stone
We’ll rise with Christ our Lord above
Because of love now shown