God has proved his love

Haiku responding to Romans 5: 1-8

Justified by faith

means that we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus.

Jesus makes the grace

happen; this grace surrounds us,

we boast in our hope.

We are also proud

of our afflictions, knowing

they bring endurance.

Endurance leads to

character, then on to hope;

we boast in our hope!

God's love has been poured

into our hearts through God's gift:

the Holy Spirit.

While we were helpless,

when the time was right, Christ died

for those without God.

We don't give up life

cheaply: perhaps for a good

person, one might die.

God has proved his love.

While we were lost in our sin

the Christ died for us.

© Ken Rookes 2026

How good is this, God? or The best form of welfare.

Haiku for the relevant Minister.

Those who are righteous
can treat others with contempt,
Jesus warned, beware!

The tax collector,
lowly, the Pharisee, grand,
stood in the temple.

The Pharisee prayed
proud, God it’s good to be me,
I thank you for that.

I’m such a fine bloke,
honest, blameless, quite unlike
that dole collector.

The tax collector
bowed his head, God, have mercy
on me, a sinner!

The second went home
justified, his prayer answered.
Not the Pharisee.

They are in control,
still, the Pharisees, with their
contempt for the poor.

How good is this, God,
that we are not drug users
and welfare cheaters?


© Ken Rookes 2019