COMMENT & ANALYSIS: Thought for the DAY.

Byline: Rev Harry Ross

I LIKE, very much, the modern translation of Peter's Epistle in which he recommends the final two rungs up his "Ladder of Virtues". This translation says that, along with your steadfastness and piety, you should "gladly let God have His way with you. This will make possible the next step, which is for you to enjoy other people and to like them, and finally you will grow to love them more deeply."

There is an old, but very true saying, which says, "Let go and let God". Let go of your selfish desires and let God guide your life. Does God wish you to spend all your time and energy on Him?

No! He wants you to begin with Him but then go on to show care and understanding for others. Some people are very hard to like and we may find it very difficult to enjoy being in their company, even if they share our beliefs. But we are bidden to make every effort to get alongside everyone so that we feel at home in their presence and grow to like them. The final rung is that which reaches out to share with others the love, which God has for us. The Ladder begins with faith and ends with love. Which rung are you on?

Rev Harry Ross, Vicar of St Luke, Walton