I Would Much Rather Err
Oh yes, I would much rather err on the side of being too soft,
On the side of going easy — midst holding justice aloft.
That’s right, I would much rather err on the side of showing love,
Even where love’s not deserved — taking the higher ground above.
But who could err showing love, kindness, compassion and mercy,
Or err by granting forgiveness, befriending an enemy?
Yes, who could ever err, blunder, by taking the higher ground,
Rolling with the punches, holding back, turning evil around?
Yes, friend, I would much rather err on the side of holding back,
Rather than another person unduly hurt or attack.
Yes, I’d rather not push my point, even win the victory,
If it turned folk against me, when it wasn’t necessary.
It takes a man to walk away, to die to self, save the day,
It takes a man to hide his pride, let another have their way.
It takes a man to bite his tongue, shoulder insults, turn the cheek,
It takes a man, a man who’s strong — never a man who is weak.
Oh, yes, I would much rather err than be holier than thou,
A Pharisee, a legalist, petty tyrant — and how!
For to be so heavenly minded that I was no earthly good,
Would only be to my shame — so please let me err — where I should.
Yes, let me cut others slack, and go easy on those who err,
Given that I err too, even knowingly; and costs incur.
Though there’s a time and place when one should speak up, and stand their ground,
I won't ram my point home, crack a whip, jostle, shove, shout, or hound.
No, I would much rather err on the side of being too soft,
On the side of going easy — midst holding justice aloft.
Oh yes, I would much rather err on the side of love and grace,
For who could err in doing so — unless, wisdom they misplace?
By Lance Landall