To Love or To Be Loved

When Jesus came from Heaven
Upon this earth to live,
Did He expect love to receive,
Or did He come to give?

He knew His close disciples
Were not all being true
But yet He loved them every one,
As He loves me and you.

Upon the Cross He suffered
Yet His last gasping breath
Was prayer for the forgiveness
Of those who caused His death.

Is our love shown to others
Freely and unreserved?
Or do we only give it when
We feel it is deserved?

Sometimes we feel neglected
And bitter tears may flow,
But through reaching out to others
Our hearts can healing know.

So many hearts are crying
For a bit of love to share.
Instead of seeking love from them,
Let's show we really care.

Oh do not let self-pity
Or criticism rise
Because we crave attention
With mournful words or sighs.

Instead of seeking to be loved,
More loving let us be;
The more you share the love you have,
It will come back, you'll see.

Let's concentrate, like Jesus did,
On others' needs each day,
And demonstrate unselfishness
By giving love away.

Honoria A. Groves

1988