What Wondrous Love Is This

Open Your Bible

Revelation 5:6-14, Hebrews 12:1-2, Philippians 2:11, 1 Peter 2:24, 1 John 3:1, John 15:13, John 3:16


What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this, O my soul!

Other than genes, I share a few distinct commonalities with my grandmother.

We both ditched our overly-Southern double names (so long, Mary Kaitlin and Mary Helen!), we were both born with a head full of chocolate-colored ringlets, and we both have a profound love for sour candy and sno cones, especially eaten together.

I also owe my band geek pride and hymn-induced teary eyes to my grandmother, who, because she’d want you all to feel like close friends, I’ll refer to by her nickname, Polly.

My childhood summers spent in her humid Florida town were marked by fishing trips and blueberry picking, vegetable chopping and frizzy hair. At the end of the day, Polly was the only one brave enough to delicately comb through my thick, tangled locks, patiently unraveling knots and twists along the way. While most hairdressers would become overwhelmed with my violent tresses and send me home with wet hair, my grandmother would methodically see the process through until my mane was just so. Even when I reached for the scissors to quickly detach an unruly gnarl, she’d tell me to put them down, assuring that the cleansing process had worked before and this time would be no exception.

I think Polly probably learned this lesson from her days as an elementary school music teacher. She would clink the keys of a worn piano, calmly teaching her students the technique of adjusting pitch and style. At the end of the class she would sit back and listen to a chorus of young voices singing her favorite hymn, washing her soul once more.

I’m sure Polly introduced her students to “What Wondrous Love Is This.” If we were in her class today, she’d probably relish the opportunity to teach us about the history of the hymn, and we’d circle around her, sitting criss-cross applesauce style. (And we’d seriously hope she had jars of her homemade pepper relish in her bag, too, because YUM.)

She’d tell us how, although the hymn has become a staple in many sanctuaries, its original author remains unknown. Because it was written in the early 1800’s, it was passed down orally from person to person, which explains the repetition of easy-to-remember lyrics. While the tune varied each time it was sung, the words remained the same. Whether sung as a haunting tune in a minor key or a cheery, major-key march, the truths are unchanging. Then, in keeping with the tradition of this truth-filled hymn, Polly would have us set our sheet music aside and sing it by heart.

She always made sure we’d go home with the important things tucked in our hearts, and most of the time we didn’t realize their value until later. When I think about all the songs I’ve memorized over the years—my ABC’s, 50 Nifty United States, the books of the Bible, the Electric Slide—I begin to see they all serve a particular purpose: instruction or inspiration. It makes me lean in a little closer to hear the truths Polly would intentionally pass along to us via “What Wondrous Love Is This.”

This hymn—a song specifically addressed to our souls, the core of who we are—reveals the simple yet vital soundtrack of our humanity: the sweet shock of our Father’s wondrous love. Our 18th century friends did what we would also be wise to do—they identified the foundational truths of their faith, and they hung on for dear life. They memorized these truths backwards and forwards, set them to music and shared them in song.

And when we sing these same words, we get to join in the same precious cycle: When we recount the wonders of the Lord’s love, it leads us to worship. When we worship, we are led back to His wondrous love. And through eternity, we’ll sing on.

What foundational truths of the Gospel do you need to sing to your soul today? Which parts of the Father’s wondrous love do you need to hang onto for dear life?

Like our favorite love song, let’s personalize these truths, set them to our own melody and pass them down.

What Wondrous Love Is This!
American Folk Hymn, 19th cent.

What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss
to bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,
to bear the dreadful curse for my soul?

When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,
when I was sinking down, sinking down;
when I was sinking down beneath God’s righteous frown,
Christ laid aside his crown for my soul, for my soul,
Christ laid aside his crown for my soul.

To God and to the Lamb, I will sing, I will sing,
to God and to the Lamb, I will sing;
to God and to the Lamb who is the great I AM –
while millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing;
while millions join the theme, I will sing.

And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on,
and when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on;
and when from death I’m free, I’ll sing and joyful be,
and through eternity, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on,
and through eternity I’ll sing on.SRT-HymnsIII_instagram4

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72 thoughts on "What Wondrous Love Is This"

  1. Mollie Pittman says:

    His love is perfect and bounding❤️

  2. Lizzy Butterfield says:

    I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on!

  3. Rachel says:

    What wonderful, personal, perfect love is this!

  4. Abigail says:

    Amen!

  5. Tricia says:

    Thank you Lord for your wondrous love! The gift of your son.

  6. Elisa Best says:

    God never let’s go if me. Through the storms, through the trials, through my doubt, and sin. What wondrous love is this!

  7. Cynthia says:

    Beautifully written!

  8. Kylie says:

    Love John 3:16

  9. Kylee says:

    “What foundational truths of the gospel do you need to sing to your soul today?” (Beautifully phrased question!)

    That He is faithful. He is faithful. He is faithful! If my heart sat in a chair across from me this morning, I would sing this over & over until it sinks in// He is faithful to love us until forever, and everything that includes. He is faithful, when others are faithless! He is faithful, when opportunities fail us! He is faithful, when I am fearful. He is faithful, when faith is all I have to cling to. He is faithful, never changing; He stays the same. My words and whims may change with each new day, but with our God His mercies and goodness will always stay the same & be offered up every day. He is faithful. He will do every single thing He said He would do. He is faithful, even when I doubt; He delights in proving His faithfulness to us. He is faithful to my family. He is faithful. He won’t give up when it gets hard. He is faithful.

    Thank you, Lord– You are FAITHFUL.

    1. Roberta says:

      Thank you for speaking from your heart to mine.

  10. Amanda says:

    Needed this today. Simple truths are often the most powerful.

  11. Betsy Cooley says:

    “The sweet shock of our Father’s wondrous love.” Love this!!

  12. Olivia says:

    It was such a good message today that was a good song!

  13. ShannonNichole says:

    What foundational truths do we need to sing to our souls today? Beautifully said. Today and every day, o my soul o my soul.

  14. In my opinion you are not right. I can prove it.

  15. Jen says:

    Being a Brit and living in the UK, I have never heard this song before…BUT, absolutely love it now I've heard it!
    Really great words…especially Christ laying aside His crown for my soul.
    I will sing.

  16. Shemma says:

    Swoon swoon swoon swoon!!!

  17. I must remember the foundational truth that Jesus has covered all my sins and loves me more than I can ever comprehend. One day I will join the eternal chorus singing His praises for ever and ever in Heaven.

  18. Becca says:

    There is a song by “sleeping at last” called “you are enough,” and that is my foundational truth when I get my stress head on. The chorus says, ‘You’re enough, you’re enough, you’re enough, you are enough, these little words somehow they’re changing us’. Sometimes I let that tell me that God had equipped me with everything I need, sometimes it tells me that God is enough to get me through on empty, but it is my truth. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” 1 Cor 2:9

  19. Julie says:

    Your voice matches the sing-song melody of the song perfectly.

  20. Yana says:

    Philippians 2:12 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.

    My hope with everyday the Lord gives me is to proclaim this in my actions and words! Thank you Jesus for you’re love and support.

  21. Yana says:

    Kaitlin, I love your version of this hymn. Like an old Appalachian ballad. My favorite.

  22. Lizanne says:

    Foundational truths I need to sing repeat and meditate on and drench my soul with is: He loves me. He wants the best for me? I’m not a step-child. He truly loves me…. So much in my life says the opposite to this; the devil has works very hard to litter my life with things that seemingly make these Truths appear to be lies.

  23. What a beautiful story and beautiful hymn.

    Thank you She Reads Truth for helping me mine the Word each day! I love starting my day scavenging for Truth, digging deeper. I am blessed by your invitation to know Him more and the richness of the community you have created. It really is a beautiful thing.

  24. Juliet says:

    I was listening to the latest Bethel sermon and it was called Worship: the war of peace. It spoke to me so much about God is so worthy of our praise and worship, whether we feel like it or not. It is often sacrificial, and feels most painful when it doesn’t make sense or we haven’t seen our breakthrough yet. But it always releases peace and shuts down the lies of the enemy. I want to abide in His love today! The sweetest and safest place

  25. Emily says:

    I love the deep theology in hymns.

    1. Doris says:

      Me too Emily, though I do enjoy modern Christian music, it can’t replace what the hymns provide

  26. carla stout says:

    I have loved this hymn for sometime now. It is one of my favorites! Thank you for sharing it! I am blessed.

  27. kjhull says:

    Kelly – I will be looking up Paul Tripp today and reading more on this! I love those 4 simple steps ~ a proven answer to all that we struggle with. The reasoning. . . . because we are focused on Christ, not ourselves. I love SRT, for so many reasons! But what I look forward to most is reading the encouragement and words of wisdom from my Sisters in Truth. Thank you all for being so willing to share your thought and experiences.

    1. Kelly_Smith says:

      I heard it on this podcast: http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/preach-the-go
      Glad to connect with you, sister!

      1. Rebekah says:

        Kelly- I’m curious about Tripp’s podcast as well, what is the title? (the link doesn’t get me there, and he has 22 topics) :)

  28. Valanne says:

    What foundational truths of the Gospel do you need to sing to your soul today?
    I am a new creation, the old has gone the new has come. With this truth is victory, no self defeat, only repentance, when I sin, to keep this new creation fresh and alive in Christ.

    Which parts of the Father’s wondrous love do you need to hang onto for dear life? NOTHING can separate me from His love. There is no tally, nothing I can do to earn more brownie points of God’s favor — I’ve already got them ALL!!!

    1. Lesli says:

      Same truths I’m needing to hold on to! Praying for you this morning!

  29. Christa Gregg says:

    I am not familiar with this particular hymn, but now I can't get it out of my head…espeically this part "
    When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,
    when I was sinking down, sinking down;
    when I was sinking down beneath God’s righteous frown,
    Christ laid aside his crown for my soul, for my soul,
    Christ laid aside his crown for my soul."
    So many times I feel I'm sinking beneath God's frown, because I've failed, BUT because of Christ I am fully loved and not under the righteous frown, but the righteous grace. I pray we all experience that freedom today.

  30. Katy Davenport says:

    The wonderful cycle of recounting wonders and worship, is another example of God’s infinite love. His love is never ending, like an infinite cycle.

  31. Kelly_Smith says:

    Paul Tripp says, "No one is more influential in your life than you are. Because no one talks to you more than you do." Answering the question, "what do I need to sing to my soul," my answer is the Gospel. I can fill my head with theology, eschatology, and etymology without ever touching my heart. I can remind myself of truth through study (how it fits into *my* life), or I can align myself by preaching the Gospel to myself (fit my life into the Gospel). Tripp explains the concept of preaching the Gospel to yourself : "1) gaze on the beauty of Christ, 2) remember who we are as a child of God, 3) rest in his power and provision, and then 4) act in reliance upon him." The focus is always Christ, not me. This hymn preaches the Gospel to my soul. It covers foundational Truths and leaves me aligned with Christ, my eyes and heart fixed on Him.

    1. churchmouse says:

      Yes! You’ve summed it up so well! It’s the Truth of the Cross. Always coming back to that. May that be my daily focus – not my to-do list or my don’t – do list, or this church program or that event… Always the focus on the Cross and all He accomplished there. Wondrous love!

    2. MNmomma (heather) says:

      Paul Tripp says, "No one is more influential in your life than you are. Because no one talks to you more than you do." <———– LOVE LOVE LOVE this!!! It is SO TRUE! I am trying to instill this message in my boys (and remember it for myself!!)….

    3. carla stout says:

      Is this in one of Tripp’s books? If so, which one? Thanks!

      1. Kelly_Smith says:

        I heard it on this podcast: http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/preach-the-go
        I need it on repeat! In my earbuds at night as I sleep, like Holy Spirit I.V. :)

    4. Carrie says:

      Thank you Kelly. I am so blessed by this insight today. You shine!

    5. Katie says:

      I love this break down, Kelly. Gaze, remember, rest, and act. All for Him. Thank you for sharing this beautiful reminder!

    6. Jenny R says:

      What a GREAT distinction! Do I fit it into my life, or do I fit my life into the gospel? I can easily gravitate to the appealing academic aspect, and know that for me it is a temptation I have to be aware of.

  32. joanne says:

    Singing these wonderful truths to my soul – and so very thankful for Kaitlin and Polly :)

  33. ~ B ~ says:

    Like a soft lullaby can calm a crying babe, these profound truths can settle my soul. And the very truths you speak of are the rock I stand on. They are foundational, because, just as each building needs a strong support to grow from, our groundwork needs to be rooted in these truths about God. Our souls can not be calmed if we don't have this established. I need to always remember that God will secure my feet. He will tether us to Him and control our way. That nothing is ever as big as it seems and that everything falls far short in God's shadow. I need to sing to my soul that any looming thing, anything I don't see or understand, God already knows about. His primary concern in my life is me, which is why He sent His son. And because He gave such a sacrifice, I need to sing myself a tune that bears such freedom….. unyielding love, unwavering victory and immeasurable peace. ~ B

    1. MNmomma (heather) says:

      Thank you for this reminder B…..I wrote it down on one of the cute note cards that came with the Timothy pack :) What a perfect reminder to keep handy. Blessings!

    2. Beverly says:

      "Our souls can not be calmed if we don't have this established." Amen, B, amen. I'm finding this so much at work in my own life. Rooting. Building. Establishing a foundation on His truth & favor, rather than the worldly lies and approval I have strove for in the past. Thanks, B.

    3. Linda Beth says:

      Thank you!

  34. Dusty Becker Allison says:

    Loved Ms. Polly, and hearing her teach and play the piano. Thank you for sharing a precious memory about such a precious lady. This too is one of my favorite hymns. So thankful for the rich heritage left by those who have gone before us. May we continue to pass that along to the ones following us.

  35. Hannah says:

    Yes!! It’s singing these truths to our soul (like the Psalmist does over and over… Bless the Lord, O my soul!) that so quickly bridges the gap from confusion to joy, from uncertainty to peace.

  36. Candacejo says:

    Answering Kaitlin's questions at the end, what foundational truths do I need to sing to my soul and what part of God's love do I need to hang on to for dear life? I remind myself that He is the SAME, yesterday, today and forever. There is no shadow of turning with Thee! To God and to the Lamb, who is the GREAT I AM…I remind myself that because He has always been He forever will be and I take great comfort in the fact that He has overcome death, hell and the grave.

    Then the part of His love? That HE loved ME first and loves me still. No matter what I have done or will do I can come to Him, because of mercy, and He showers me with His love. That is too big for me to wrap my head around because I fail Him daily.

    And to add in one more…that because He is Truth and Constant, we have HOPE in this life that He is with us and HOPE for the next life that He is coming back for us. Heaven and Earth will pass away but His Word remains and we have this HOPE of His return. No matter what happens here on this terra firma, He will redeem His people. And when from death I'm free, I'll sing on, I'll sing on…throughout eternity, I'll sing on!

    Be blessed on this beautiful Thursday! ♥

    1. ~ B ~ says:

      Loving your words N! He is the same yesterday, today and forever. This is a such a beautiful truth to recall in any season. So peace producing! ~ B

  37. hannah says:

    I love how you pointed out that we sing this song not to God, but to our souls. It reminds me of Psalm 43:5,
    "Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, my help and my God", and also of how David encouraged himself in the Lord. I think sometimes we feel like hope or encouragement just happen to us, but we really can speak (or better yet sing) encouragement to our own souls.
    A dear friend once told me "sing into your barrenness" . To me that meant singing hopefully into the parts of my life I didn't feel like singing about. It really does shift my perspective in a powerful way. At the very least, God shows up, and I'm no longer alone (not a bad worst case scenario). At best, He shows up, AND transforms the barrenness. Either way I am changed.

    1. Brittney says:

      Wow, thank you so much Hannah for your thoughts on this. I’m currently working on a letter for my dad (who is unfortunately in jail) and wanted to write out bible verses & words of encouragement for him to hang up. That’s not an easy task for a daughter. Thank you for helping me to find the words.

      1. hannah says:

        Brittney, I'm so sorry you're facing that difficult task. My heart is with you as you search for genuine encouragement to offer your dad. I can tell you want to offer him more than false comfort, and I know it's not easy.

    2. Lori Seaborg says:

      Thank you for sharing this, Hannah! I had never considered singing to my soul; it makes so much sense to do so.

    3. Candacejo says:

      The book of Jude says it like this: "But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life."

      Sing to your soul, pray the scriptures and insert your own name and encourage yourself in the Lord. Above all, as the verse in Psalm 43:5 says, "I shall again PRAISE Him.." worship brings down walls!!! This is where our strength comes from. He will then show up and establish you in His love! It's not our might or our power but by the Holy Spirit. So powerful.

      1. MNmomma (heather) says:

        YES! I need to do this more and more…..thank you for the reminder!

      2. hannah says:

        I had a hard time with this at first. Building myself up just sounded selfish. But it's the least selfish thing I can do! The people in my life who haven't learned to build themselves up are draining. I want to get better at building myself up so I have a richer well of comfort to draw from when it's time for me to comfort other people.

        1. Beverly says:

          I agree! It does feel selfish, but it is the least selfish thing we can do to build ourselves up in Truth.

      3. Jenny Stone says:

        Well said! That is a lacking in myself.. It always sounds selfish to me but you put it beautifully!

      4. Beverly says:

        Thanks for sharing the Jude verse, Candacejo.

    4. Lyle says:

      I think I depend too often on others (my husband, friends, my mom) to encourage me. When they don’t, I feel lonely and discouraged. Hannah, I love the idea of singing into my barrenness and really seeking encouragement from the very BEST sources, the Word of God and the Holy Spirit.

      1. MNmomma (heather) says:

        I agree……I am so guilty of this too! I have been learning over the past year….what a difference it has made! Blessings!

      2. hannah says:

        You're right, it's easier to look to other people, even though the encouragement God gives is so much deeper and sweeter. Looking back I feel thankful for the times that people let me down (didn't expect to feel that way!) because now I can see how it sent me running to God, and that became more my default setting. Thanks for helping me become aware of that!

    5. Beverly says:

      Beautiful, Hannah. I was just thinking the other day how difficult it can be at times to connect my head and heart. And what better way than to sing Truths over my soul?! Thank you for elaborating on this aspect of today's hymn.

    6. Imelda says:

      thank you Hannah. I’m in tears after your post brought the realisation and conviction that my soul is so downcast and I have not encouraged myself in the Lord. after a few very tough years, very barren and bleak, I have grown cold and this was exactly what I needed to hear. bless you

    7. Destiny says:

      Hannah thank you so much for sharing. Music has alway brought peace to me mainly hymns and Christian music and after read this and your post I see what. All my life I have sang to myself to calm my nerves, put myself to sleep, and to cheer myself us and now I see it is because I am singing to my soul. Establishing truths in these moments grounds me and remind me that I am not alone.

    8. cilla says:

      what a beautiful concept, singing to my soul and singing to the barren parts in my life.