Wedneday 26 August 2026

Psalm 110

Background
Do you ever try to imagine how things might be different? Whenever I read these sentences from Jesus, I try to imagine what John might have written today when we are so mindful of safeguarding concerns.

When Jesus says 'love' he meant agape, one of the Greek words for 'love' which has overtones of self-sacrifice and self-denial. Love in this sense mitigates some of the concerns I have on a simple reading of these verses. Without an understanding of the word used for love, I could easily imagine how some who were unscrupulous might misuse the teaching of these verses. It is easy to read this as "Only if you obey me, will you be loved by me".

Without awareness of context and the root word used for love, the avenue and opportunity for abuse is all too easy. Sadly, I am aware of too many people who thought that doing what they were told was the right thing to do. Subsequently they were hurt, bruised and disillusioned, believing the person telling them what to do had an authority rooted in God.

Clearly this passage is a reminder that our relationship with God is rooted in love, and it is mutual self-giving love which brings blessing and transformation. It is always good to remind ourselves that a willingness to love and seek the welfare of others makes a richer world and a kinder world.

To Ponder:

• I wonder how we might rewrite these verses for modern readers to keep the intent of the verses but to guard against misunderstandings regarding power and control?
• In what ways can we help show that 'to love as God has loved us' is both transformative and redemptive? 

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.