Out From Behind the Bars of Justice

True love is not imprisoned behind the bars of justice, nor is it confounded by a relative perception of respect or the lack thereof. It is not prejudiced by the manner in which it is viewed or the implications of how or why it even exists. It thrives in a most pure and uncomplicated form based on a genuine appreciation, the recognized creation and predestined purpose of another living soul. Once sourced from such a fountain, an esteemed hope transforms into the most humble action of perfect sacrifice. A slow and crawling, hungry caterpillar shapes into a flying and free, beautiful butterfly, and the point of life itself is birthed in the mind of the beholder. 

I can think of only one who ever achieved such heights by which to give us such a prime example...Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Disrespected and unjustly accused, whipped and beaten with a crown of thorns dripping the metallic taste of blood down onto his lips as they mocked Him and placed a robe around his open wounds - How it must have felt when they ripped off that coagulated mess, to be displayed so naked and shamed, to be nailed as if You were just a piece of meat, to have a sign placed over Your head that proclaimed your royalty, while they spat and laughed and offered You vinegar for your thirst. They waited for Your last great heave - and yet Lord, You asked for our forgiveness? You withheld Your wrath and instead allowed Your payment to be poured out upon a world of shamed souls. 

You cover over the likes of me? 
How, Oh Jesus, can it be? Such a grace so undeserved! 
Such a love so unreserved! 
I would think it such a great lie told 
if not my conscience proved me sold! 
The Bible trains me fast and true 
to such a love as bold at You, 
that when I see that weary soul 
the way You see them, then I know, 
there is but one thing I can do. 
Tell them, point them, show them You.

D.C. Elliott 11.20.13

'This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.' (1 John 3:16)