In tenderness he sought me
Weary and sick with sin
And on his shoulders brought me
Back to his fold again
While angels in his presence sang
Until the courts of heaven rang
Oh, the love that sought me!
Oh, the blood that bought me!
Oh, the grace that brought me to the fold of God
Grace that brought me to the fold of God
He died for me while I was sinning
Needy and poor and blind
He whispered to assure me,
"I've found thee, thou art mine"
I never heard a sweeter voice
It made my aching heart rejoice
Upon his grace I'll ponder
And sing anew his praise
With all adoring wonder
His blessings I retrace
It seems as if eternal days
Are far too short to sing his praise!
In Tenderness Video
In Tenderness Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
In Tenderness by Citizens: Exploring the Key Messages and Biblical Analysis
Introduction:
"In Tenderness" is a powerful Christian song written and performed by the band Citizens. The song beautifully captures the themes of redemption, grace, and the unconditional love of God. It speaks to the heart of every believer, reminding us of the depth of God's love and the transformative power of His grace.
Key Messages of the Song:
The song "In Tenderness" conveys its messages through vivid imagery and heartfelt lyrics. Let's explore the main key messages chronologically from the lines:
1. In Tenderness, He Sought Me:
The opening line sets the tone for the entire song. It speaks of God's tender pursuit of the narrator, who was lost and weary due to sin. It emphasizes the compassionate nature of God, who actively seeks out and rescues His children, no matter how far they have strayed.
2. Weary and Sick with Sin:
This line brings attention to the condition of the narrator's heart before encountering God's love and grace. It acknowledges the brokenness and spiritual sickness caused by sin. It serves as a reminder that we are all in need of God's saving grace.
3. And on His Shoulders Brought Me:
The imagery of being carried on His shoulders symbolizes the loving and sacrificial nature of God. It draws parallels to the parable of the Lost Sheep in Luke 15:4-7, where Jesus describes leaving the ninety-nine sheep to find the one lost sheep and carrying it home on His shoulders. This line portrays the personal and intimate relationship between God and the narrator.
4. Back to His Fold Again:
The phrase "His fold" refers to the community of believers, the Church, which is under the loving care and guidance of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ. It signifies restoration and reconciliation with God's family. It echoes the words of Jesus in John 10:16, "I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd."
5. While Angels in His Presence Sang:
This line highlights the joy and celebration that takes place in heaven when a lost soul is found and restored. It reflects the biblical truth in Luke 15:10, where Jesus teaches that there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. It emphasizes the significance of repentance and the transformative power of God's love.
6. Oh, the Love That Sought Me! Oh, the Blood That Bought Me! Oh, the Grace That Brought Me to the Fold of God:
This chorus captures the essence of the song's message. It celebrates the immense love of God that sought out the narrator, the redemptive power of Jesus' shed blood on the cross that bought their salvation, and the unmerited grace that brought them into the family of God. It echoes the biblical truth expressed in Ephesians 2:8-9, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."
7. He Died for Me While I Was Sinning, Needy and Poor and Blind:
This line reflects on the unconditional love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It acknowledges that Jesus willingly laid down His life for us while we were still sinners, needy, and spiritually blind. It echoes the biblical truth stated in Romans 5:8, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
8. He Whispered to Assure Me, "I've Found Thee, Thou Art Mine":
This line beautifully portrays the personal and intimate relationship between God and the narrator. It signifies the assurance of salvation and the tender voice of God comforting the narrator. It echoes the words of God in Isaiah 43:1, "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine."
9. Upon His Grace, I'll Ponder, and Sing Anew His Praise:
This line highlights the gratitude and awe that the narrator feels towards God's grace. It expresses the desire to continuously reflect on the depth of God's grace and to respond with praise and worship. It echoes the psalmist's words in Psalm 77:12, "I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds."
10. It Seems as If Eternal Days Are Far Too Short to Sing His Praise:
This final line emphasizes the never-ending nature of God's love and the eternal praise that is due to Him. It suggests that a lifetime is not enough to fully express gratitude and worship to God. It echoes the heavenly scene described in Revelation 5:13, where every creature in heaven and on earth joins in worshiping God forever and ever.
Meaning and Inspiration of the Song:
The meaning of "In Tenderness" lies in its portrayal of God's relentless pursuit of His children, the transformative power of His grace, and the unending love that bought our salvation. The song's inspiration can be found in the biblical narrative, particularly in the parable of the Lost Sheep and the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ on the cross.
The parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:4-7) illustrates God's unconditional love and His desire to seek out and save the lost. It serves as a reminder that no matter how far we have strayed, God is always ready to welcome us back into His loving arms.
Additionally, the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ on the cross is a testament to God's love and grace. Through His shed blood, Jesus paid the price for our sins and bought our redemption. The song beautifully captures this redemptive act and the resulting restoration and reconciliation with God.
Biblical Analysis of the Song:
The song "In Tenderness" aligns with biblical teachings and conveys key messages rooted in Scripture. The themes of redemption, grace, and the unconditional love of God are deeply rooted in the Bible.
The concept of God's tender pursuit of His children is evident throughout the Bible. In Luke 19:10, Jesus says, "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." This aligns with the opening line of the song, "In Tenderness, He Sought Me." God's love is not passive or distant; it actively seeks to rescue and restore.
The chorus of the song echoes the biblical truth expressed in Ephesians 2:8-9, that salvation is a gift of God's grace and not something earned through works. It emphasizes that it is by God's grace alone that we are brought into His fold and reconciled with Him.
The line, "He died for me while I was sinning, needy and poor and blind," reflects the biblical truth expressed in Romans 5:8 that Christ died for us while we were still sinners. It emphasizes that salvation is not based on our own merits or righteousness but on the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ.
The assurance of salvation and the intimate relationship between God and the narrator are portrayed in the line, "He whispered to assure me, 'I've found thee, thou art mine.'" This aligns with the biblical truth expressed in Isaiah 43:1, where God assures His people, saying, "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine."
Overall, the song "In Tenderness" aligns with biblical teachings and conveys essential messages of redemption, grace, and the unconditional love of God. It beautifully captures the heart of the gospel and serves as a reminder of God's relentless pursuit of His children and the transformative power of His grace.
Conclusion:
"In Tenderness" by Citizens is a powerful Christian song that beautifully captures the themes of redemption, grace, and the unconditional love of God. Its heartfelt lyrics and vivid imagery convey the key messages chronologically, highlighting God's tender pursuit of His children, the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, and the unending love and grace that bought our salvation. The song aligns with biblical teachings and serves as a reminder of God's relentless love and the transformative power of His grace. It encourages believers to reflect on the depth of God's love, respond with gratitude and worship, and share the good news of God's redemption with others.
