Chris van der Westhuizen

My hart is vrolik, ja, opgeruimd,
ek jubel met lofsange tot my God.
Vrees kan nie ’n houvas kry,
my hart is vol liefde en waarlik vry!

Vir almal wens ek altyd wel,
al maak iemand soms my lewe hel.
Al word ek beledig en seergemaak,
sal niks my selfbeeld kan afkraak.
Want liefde kies ek om te bly,
wat my van alle vrees bevry.

Wat ek is, is net genade.
Wat ek het, is net geleen.
My hart behoort net aan my Here,
kyk net hoe Hy my seën.
Uit dankbaarheid het ek geen beswaar,
Ek sal my hart bewaar.

’n Opdrag is aan ons gegee
om vyande waarlik lief te hê.
Al sou hulle jou hart laat ween,
moet jy hulle nogtans seën.
Al sou hulle jou opstandig maak,
besluit om oor jou woorde te waak.
Vergelding sal jou hart net skaad.
Glo my! Ek weet waarvan ek praat.

Stel die liefde op die proef,
God sal dan jou hart besny.
Sy Gees sal jou dan leer en lei,
om volkome in die lig te leef.
Jy sal dan ook jubel en sing
van liefde wat oorwinning bring!

                              Chris M. v/d Westhuizen '2017 (Gedigte deel 6 van 6)

Love Conquers All!

With joyful heart and spirits high,
I sing my praises to the Most High.
No grip can fear upon me lay,
For love fills my heart, keeping dread at bay.

For all, I wish only goodwill,
Though some may seek to bring me ill.
Though insults sting and wounds run deep,
No damage to my self-worth can seep.
For love I choose to hold steadfast,
A shield from which all fears are cast.

What I am is by grace alone,
What I possess, on loan I own.
My heart belongs to my Lord above,
Witness the blessings of His love.
In gratitude, no grievance I bear,
My heart, entrusted with utmost care.

A command we've received, clear and true,
To love our foes, this is our due.
Though they may cause our hearts to weep,
Bless them still, secrets of love to keep.
Though they may provoke rebellion's fire,
Guard your words, rise above the mire.
Retaliation only harms the soul,
Believe me, wisdom is my role.

Put love to the test, my friend,
Watch as your heart God's touch will mend.
His Spirit will teach, His guidance show,
In perfect light, your life will glow.
And then, with jubilant voice, you'll sing,
Of love's triumph, victorious ring!

                              Chris M. v/d Westhuizen '2017 (Poems part 6 of 6 - Translated fom Afrikaans)