Love III - A Poem by George Herbert

George Herbert’s contemporaries were Shakespeare and John Milton, a strong bench to be sure! Yet, no one like Herbert, who was also a pastor in the Church of England, fashioned poetry that conveyed God’s person, including his love towards sinners. In this poem about God’s love, which you should read no less than 3 times in a quiet place, he reflects on the the love of Christ which is a grace gift. At times, we can’t get over that the gospel is a gift—not earned and not given to the worthy. I pray that this short poem becomes one of your favorites, as it is mine!

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Love III

Love bade me welcome. Yet my soul drew back

                              Guilty of dust and sin.

But quick-eyed Love, observing me grow slack

                             From my first entrance in,

Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning,

                             If I lacked any thing.

A guest, I answered, worthy to be here:

                             Love said, You shall be he.

I the unkind, ungrateful? Ah my dear,

                             I cannot look on thee.

Love took my hand, and smiling did reply,

                             Who made the eyes but I?

Truth Lord, but I have marred them: let my shame

                             Go where it doth deserve.

And know you not, says Love, who bore the blame?

                             My dear, then I will serve.

You must sit down, says Love, and taste my meat:

                             So I did sit and eat.