138. "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
Loved 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: 1890
Topic: The Lord Jesus Christ; Advent of Christ: At Birth; Christ: Advent at Birth (1 more...)
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