A Promise to an Antagonist

I wrote this a number of years back, and ran across it this morning as I was looking for another file on my computer. It's not very well written, but I liked the sentiment, so I thought I'd post it. 

A Promise to an Antagonist

If I serve with the expectation of something in return,

I’ve only benefited myself.

If I sacrifice on the condition that you do the same,

I’ve given up nothing.

If I love, only when I’m loved,

Encourage, only when I’m encouraged,

Forgive only when I’m forgiven,

Or support only when I’m supported,

I’ve failed to love Christ as I should,

and revealed the true nature of my heart.

So, hate me, if you will, and I will show you love.

Malign me, and I will show you compassion.

Reject me, abuse me, lie about me, or to me,

And by God’s grace, I will absorb the pain,

And offer you the same forgiveness he has offered me,

so that in my life, Christ might be glorified