Recently I have become fascinated and deeply intrigued with poetry and the life of poets. One particular person that stands out to me is the Italian Poet Tasso,(11 March 1544-25 April 1595) When Tasso reached the peak of his career, he was in a position to wreak revenge upon a man who had wronged him deeply years before. “I dont desire to plunder him,” the poet said, “yet there is one thing I would like to take from him.” “His honor, his wealth, his life?” Tasso was asked. “No,” came the gentle reply. “What I desire to take from him I will try to gain by the exercise of kindness, patience and forbearance. I will take away his ill will.” Firstly, Tasso’s reply reminds me of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the believers in Rome. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Roman 12:21. Often times when we are hurt by someone our initial reaction is to “get even”. But at the end of the day the only person that really loses out is ourself. Nothing really changes. The situation or circumstances only continues to get worse. By overcoming evil with good, a definite change will take place on both parties that are hurt. Next time someone does evil or hurt you, try repaying that individual with love, patience, forgiveness and forbearance. Over a matter of time you will notice that his or her bitter feelings will be vanquished. Remember, love begets love. Secondly, Tasso’s decision to “overcome evil with good” in order to take away the ill will of the one that wronged him is a perfect rendition of Jesus’ ministry for you and I. Christ came into this world to conquer sin and save lost humanity. By shedding His blood on the cross he wants to take away our sin. As a matter of fact, Mathew 1:21 says “He shall save his people FROM their sins.” Through the ministry of the cross and His interceeeding in the Holy of Holies, Christ longs to take away our sins that we may be a pure and righteous people awaiting for His soon return!
The Example of a Poet
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