The Bride

Words are too easily spoken, 
in haste, in anger, in foolishness;

creates division and assumptions.

Where words are many,

sin is not far behind.

And there was one 
who sent a message to the groom,

Disparaging the bride.

The audacity, the bold-crass move of

Tearing down the bride

to the covenant bridegroom,

Cutting down perceived faults

Launching arrows of half-truths based on

inadequate knowledge

And perceived judgments.

Going to the groom to tear down the beloved bride.

What sort of evil does this?

But my heart too has unleashed disdain for another’s Bride,

Her brokenness and faults apparent in such human ways.

My heart has criticized her fleshly manners,

and the hurt has welcomed bitterness,

which always leave the door open for resentment.

Unsuspecting expectations sprawl out in disappointment;

The lofty standard of holiness left in unattainable air.

This Bride is fallen and not as perfect as her beautiful Groom,

And so it has been held against her.

Judge not my Bride,

for She is my body.

She is my love,

and the One for whom I have already

spilled my blood.

How His heart must ache when we, His children,

speak ill of His beloved,

speak ill of each other.

And yet the Bride is called to be one,

unified,

Christ glorified,

Father magnified,

Prodigals stupefied,

As they gaze in wonder and awe.

What sort of evil tears down the Bride to her Beloved?

The evil lurks in my own heart,

While repentance has served its eviction notice.

This is an early link up to beautiful Emily's blog, in the hush of the moon. Be sure to stop by there Thursdays for some amazing poetry.