Goodness Optional

[Verse 1]
You said love was a table
Where every heart could sit
But you keep moving the chairs around
When the truth won’t quite fit
I learned to weigh my words out
And soften every no
While you called mercy weakness
And kindness something owed
[Chorus]
If compassion’s just an option
If forgiveness comes and goes
If respect depends on what you want
And grace is yours to close
Then I know where I stand now
Though it hurts to understand
When you make goodness optional
You make me optional in your hands
[Verse 2]
I won’t ask you for perfection
I’ve had my share of wrong
But a home should hold some shelter
When the hard days linger long
And God was never meant to be
A name we use to win
The gentlest thing a heart can do
Is let another in
[Chorus]
If compassion’s just an option
If forgiveness comes and goes
If respect depends on what you want
And grace is yours to close
Then I know where I stand now
Though it hurts to understand
When you make goodness optional
You make me optional in your hands
[Bridge]
I can leave without a war cry
I can bless you as I go
Love should never need permission
To be decent, kind, and whole
[Final Chorus]
I need compassion as a promise
Forgiveness freely shown
Respect that doesn’t disappear
When we disagree at home
I know where I stand now
And I’ll choose with open hands
When you make goodness optional
I won’t stay optional in your plans
[Outro]
I’ll keep the good you taught me
And let the rest fall where it lands