“Set me as a seal upon your heart,
As a seal upon your arm;
For love is as strong as death,
Jealousy as cruel as the grave;
Its flames are flames of fire,
A most vehement flame.
7 Many waters cannot quench love,
Nor can the floods drown it.
If a man would give for love
All the wealth of his house,
It would be utterly despised.
“Song of Solomon 8:6-7
God of Love,
For me this passage talks about committed love between a man and a woman and also between You, God and Your adopted children (Romans 8:15-17).
A reminder that both relationships are intended to be sealed as permanent. The human one, as with all sin, being forgivable if broken. It is not the unforgivable sin but has painful consequences for all involved if broken. The divine relationship You never give up on but we have choice. I am filled with wonder at testimonies where You, God have drawn back a “lost and rebellious soul”. And they have known once again that tremendous welcome of the prodigal with their father. And the deep and equal love You have for those who follow faithfully. Or like me have wobbles sometimes.
Jealousy good and bad? Your Word says You are a jealous God (Exodus 20:5). Perhaps I too should be on the lookout for something I am jealous for, pushing You aside God. Sometimes, is it that we are holding them in greater stead than You, God? A hobby, a favourite grandchild, a desire . . .
Your love was seen as unquenchable flames of fire in the burning bush (Exodus 3:2). Love like a fire, with great power and usefulness – for good or even for destruction? Love has lifted some to great heights; it has consumed others and left only ashes. But Your Love God cannot be bought, sold or earned because it is given freely. It is total and irreversible. But for us a choice. I will choose Christ daily, moment by moment and seek to keep the seal unbroken.
Worship Sunday 17th May 2026
This is a defiant hymn at unbelief. We do not renew vows we live them. It is good to sing them.
I will choose Christ, I will choose love
I choose to serve
I give my heart,I give my life
I give all to You
Some days are hard and I fight to see the truth
But I’m gonna take a stand in all I say and do
I will choose Christ, I will choose love
I choose to serve
I give my heart,I give my life
I give all to You
Some fall away and some refuse to see
A willing and humble heart I pray You’ll find in me
I will choose Christ, I will choose love
I choose to serve
I give my heart,I give my life
I give all to You
You are grace, You are peace
You are hope and healing
You are faith, You are joy
You are God revealing
Jesus, My Lord and King
I will choose Christ, I will choose love
I choose to serve
I give my heart,I give my life
I give all to You
Lyrics: Tom Booth & Kathy Triccoli