Laudes Domini ‎#204

204. "Friend of Sinners"

1 One there is above all others,
Well deserves the name of Friend;
His is love beyond a brother's,
Costly, free, and knows no end:
They who once his kindness prove
Find it everlasting love.

2 Which of all our friends, to save us,
Could or would have shed his blood?
But our Jesus died to have us
Reconciled in him to God:
This was boundless love indeed!
Jesus is a friend in need.

3 When he lived on earth abased,
"Friend of sinners" was his name;
Now above all glories raised,
He rejoices in the same;
Still he calls them brethren, friends,
And to all their wants attends.

4 Could we bear from one another
What he daily bears from us?
Yet this glorious Friend and Brother
Loves us though we treat him thus:
Though for good we render ill,
He accounts us brethren still.

5 Oh, for grace our hearts to soften!
Teach us, Lord, at length to love;
We, alas! forget too often
What a Friend we have above:
But when home our souls are brought,
We will love thee as we ought.

Text Information

• First Line: One there is above all others
• Title: "Friend of Sinners"
• Author: John Newton
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1888
• Scripture:
  Proverbs 18:24
  ;
  Matthew 18:11
  ;
  John 13:1
  ;
  Romans 5:8
• Topic: Christ: Character of; Christ: Example of; Christ: Friend; Christ: Humanity of; Christ: Life on the Earth; Christ: Love of; Conformity; Christ: Compassion of

Tune Information

• Name: MURIEL
• Composer: C. Gounod
• Meter: 8s, 7s, 7s
• Key: G Major or modal