Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 9
“For that great, great love of thine, peace on earth and joy in the live” links Christ’s love to peace and joy; what kind of peace and joy do you think the hymn is naming (inner, communal, societal), and how does that challenge shallow “peace” that avoids repentance, reconciliation, or costly love?
Another way to ask: What kind of peace and joy is the hymn talking about—inside you, in the church, or in society? How does that challenge a shallow “peace” that avoids repentance, making things right, or costly love?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
The hymn names peace and joy as fruits of Christ’s “great, great love,” and its phrase “peace on earth” suggests more than private feelings—at least a peace meant to touch life in the world. The transcript doesn’t mention repentance or reconciliation directly, but it implies peace and joy are grounded in divine love, not mere avoidance of conflict.
- Peace and joy are explicitly connected to Christ’s love: “for that great, great love of thine, peace on earth and joy…”
- The wording “peace on earth” points outward toward the world, not only an inner state.
- The hymn’s earlier focus on “human love” and “gentle thoughts and mouth” suggests peace and joy relate to relationships and community life.
- The church is global (“upon every shore”), implying peace and joy are not confined to one person’s experience.
- The refrain frames these as reasons for “grateful praise,” indicating they come as gifts from Christ, not self-manufactured calm.