Friday 23 May 2025

Psalm 136:1-9

Background
This passage is one of the best-known in the whole of the New Testament, primarily from its popularity as a reading at weddings. This means that this passage often stands alone, and is not read in its wider context in this letter. In the context of the marriage service, it has come to be connected with romantic, marital love.

So, we need to situate the passage in its wider context and realise that the English language is impoverished when it comes to words for ‘love’. In Greek there are four words for love and the original Greek word used in this passage is ‘agape', meaning unconditional and unselfish concern and action for others.

In this passage Paul is saying that it is no good having all sorts of gifts if they are put into practice in a grudging or shoulder-shrugging way. Whatever gifts people have and use need to be motivated by that most Jesus-like quality – love and compassion for others.

It is love which has the power to bring harmony and order within the church fellowship. This agape love is the way of life in the new world of God’s kingdom, in this world and flowing into the future.

To Ponder:

• Have you got any ideas about what words or expressions we might use to help people understand the nature of Jesus’ love, which we are urged to emulate in this passage?
• The modern Church is bound by much regulation emanating both from the State and the Church authorities. Have you encountered circumstances where the law of the land (or indeed the Church) and the law of love have been in conflict?

Prayer
Heavenly God, we give thanks for the life of Jesus, full of compassion and concern for others, seeking justice for all and to bring the marginalised to the centre. May our congregations have love as a way of life, reaching out not just to those inside the Church but to those outside. Amen.

Bible notes author: The Revd Jennifer Potter
Jennifer is a supernumerary minister living in the Croydon Circuit. She works as a part-time chaplain at the local MHA (Methodist Home for the Aged). She was previously a minister at Wesley’s Chapel in London.