# Approaches explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by George MacDonald.

## What happens

The poem describes the constant presence of Christ in various aspects of life, from turning away from evil to embracing love and God's will, emphasizing that Christ is always near in every spiritual state.

## Themes in this chapter

### Divine Fatherhood

The heart cries 'Father, pardon!' and God's will is the soul's pole, highlighting the paternal relationship.

### Love as Ultimate Strength

When love is all one's wit, Christ sits at the table, showing love as the path to divine presence.

### Redemption and Grace

Turning from ill and toward good, with Christ always near, illustrates the grace available in every moment.

## Character check-ins

### Jesus Christ

Present in every line as the ever-near companion, from the hill to the soul.

### God

Referenced as 'Father' and 'God's will', indicating the divine relationship.

### Hope

Personified as a singer that rouses the soul, bringing the Lord into the house.

## Key lines

> When thou turn’st away from ill, Christ is this side of thy hill.

When you reject evil, Christ is near you, just over the hill.

_Illustrates Christ's proximity in moments of moral choice._

> When thy heart says, 'Father, pardon!' Then the Lord is in thy garden.

When you pray for forgiveness, the Lord is present in your private space.

_Connects repentance with divine intimacy._

> When God’s will is thy heart’s pole, Then is Christ thy very soul.

When you align your heart with God's will, Christ becomes your innermost being.

_Highlights the ultimate union with Christ through obedience._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters/approaches
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters