Love (I)
The sermon highlights the problem of misattributing love to earthly things, and the importance of recognizing love as a divine creation.
George Herbert delves into the concept of immortal love, highlighting how humanity has misused and misunderstood this divine love by attributing it to earthly, mortal forms of affection. He contrasts mortal love, driven by human invention and intellect, with the eternal and divine nature of true love, which played a crucial role in our salvation. Despite the immense impact of immortal love in delivering us from darkness, Herbert laments the lack of true praise and recognition it receives, as people often settle for superficial expressions of love.
Text
Immortal Love, author of this great frame, Sprung from that beauty which can never fade; How hath man parcel'd out thy glorious name, And thrown it on that dust which thou hast made, While mortal love doth all the title gain! Which siding with invention, they together Bear all the sway, possessing heart and brain, (Thy workmanship) and give thee share in neither. Wit fancies beauty, beauty raiseth wit: The world is theirs; they two play out the game, Thou standing by: and though thy glorious name Wrought our deliverance from the infernal pit, Who sings thy praise? only a scarf or glove Doth warm our hands, and make them write of love.
Sermon Outline
- The Problem of Misattributing Love
- The True Nature of Love
- The Neglect of True Love
- The world's focus on earthly love
- The neglect of God's glory and praise
Key Quotes
“Immortal Love, author of this great frame, Sprung from that beauty which can never fade;” — George Herbert
“Wit fancies beauty, beauty raiseth wit: The world is theirs; they two play out the game, Thou standing by:” — George Herbert
Application Points
- Recognize the true nature of love as a divine creation, and not just an earthly feeling.
- Give God the glory and praise He deserves for creating love and all that is good.
- Focus on cultivating a deeper understanding and appreciation of divine love in your life.