Thursday 27 August 2026

Psalm 111

Background
We need more love in the world. Love is not about power, control or accumulation of wealth. Love is about forgiveness, mercy, justice, compassion, affirmation, support and sacrifice. Love is not about what can I get, but what can I give. Love is all about enriching the quality of life and being of others, even if we have to let something go or give something up to make it happen.

It is the better quality of life that love generates which makes life good. Gilbert, of Gilbert and Sullivan fame, in the opera 'Iolanthe' tells us, "In for a penny in for a pound, it is love that makes the world go round."

J.K. Rowling through her 'Harry Potter' books tells a story of how love redeems and transforms. The willingness to die for, to sacrifice yourself for others makes the story, and the success of her books reflects how much this theme resonates with people.

We are to love others as we have been loved by Jesus. Jesus died to bring forgiveness, hope and new life to everyone. It is worth taking a pause and a deep breath as we reflect on that and give thanks for the people we love, and ask who it is to whom we can show the love of God and then try to make a difference for them.

John calls the consequences of loving as God loves us 'bearing fruit'. Fruit is a good thing; it feeds those who need it. This year has been a bumper year, at least where I live, for blackberries and other hedgerow fruit. It is there for all who need it. The love of God is for all, and everyone may share. There are no strings attached.

To Ponder:

• What are the things we can do, what are the things we can say, to make love central as an experience and expression of life?

Bible notes author: The Revd Malcolm Peacock
The Revd Peacock is Superintendent Minister of the Mid Glamorgan Mission Circuit. He has a deep and abiding interest in Celtic theology and believes those who are minorities or feel themselves marginalised should be given a voice to speak for themselves.