Christ, a True Friend

Verse 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!

Verse 2

Which of all our friends to save us, could or would have shed their blood? But our Jesus died to have us reconciled in Him to God; this was boundless love indeed! Jesus is a Friend in need.

Verse 3

Men, when raised to lofty stations, often know their friends no more; slight and scorn their poor relations though they valued them before. But our Savior always owns those whom He redeemed with groans.

Verse 4

When He lived on earth abased, Friend of sinners was His name; now, above all glory raised, He rejoices in the same; still He calls them brethren, friends, and to all their wants attends.

Verse 5

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.

Verse 6

O 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.