If We Only Understood

Could we but draw back the curtains

That surround each other's lives,

See the naked heart and spirit,

Know what spur the action gives;

Often we should find it better,

Purer than we judge we should;

We should love each other better,

If we only understood.

Could we judge all deeds by motives

See the good and bad within,

Often we should love the sinner

All the while we loathe the sin;

Ah! we judge each other harshly,

Knowing not life's hidden force;

Knowing not the fount of action Is less turbid at its source--

Seeing not amid the evil

All the golden grain of good;

And we would love each other better.

If we only understood.

Source: Anonymous