Gordon Mote - Sweet Forgiveness Lyrics
Lyrics
They say forgiveness is the fragrance of the violets
That linger on the shoes that crushed it's bloom into the ground
Precious few possess the strength to give it
Lord I'm just glad that you were looking down
To give me sweet forgiveness
A gift that's always stronger than the sin
Sweet forgiveness
A second chance to walk
You wiped away my tears and said you're only human
To hear that from you Lord, to me is so divine
I'm thankful for the love that I'm not losing
And the mercy that you've shown this heart of mine
To give me sweet forgiveness
A gift that's always stronger than the sin
Sweet forgiveness
A second chance to walk
Sweet forgiveness
A gift that's always stronger than the sin
Sweet forgiveness
A second chance to walk
Video
Bill & Gloria Gaither - Sweet Forgiveness [Live] ft. Gordon Mote
Meaning & Inspiration
Gordon Mote's 2010 release, "Sweet Forgiveness," from the album *There's No Place That Love Can't Reach*, delves into a profound exploration of divine grace. The song opens with a poignant analogy, suggesting that forgiveness, like the delicate fragrance of violets, endures even when trampled. This imagery immediately sets a tone of humble appreciation for a grace that is not easily earned. Mote acknowledges the rarity of human capacity for such profound forgiveness, expressing deep gratitude that God's perspective, a divine gaze always present, was directed towards him. The core of the song is the overwhelming acknowledgment of "sweet forgiveness," presented not merely as an act, but as a powerful gift that inherently surpasses the weight of any transgression. It's described as offering a precious "second chance to walk," a vital opportunity for renewed purpose and direction.
The lyrical narrative continues with a deeply personal testament to God's compassionate response. Mote recounts experiencing divine comfort, symbolized by tears being wiped away, and receiving the remarkably understanding reassurance of God's words, "you're only human." This divine empathy is described as profoundly "divine," highlighting its otherworldly nature and its transformative impact on the human heart. The singer expresses immense thankfulness for an unfailing love and the unmerited mercy that has been shown to his own soul, emphasizing the security found in God's steadfastness. The recurring refrain, "sweet forgiveness, a gift that's always stronger than the sin, sweet forgiveness, a second chance to walk," serves as a powerful affirmation of this theological truth. This message resonates deeply with scriptural teachings that emphasize God's boundless capacity for pardon and His desire to restore broken lives.
The message of "Sweet Forgiveness" is intrinsically woven with foundational biblical principles. The concept of divine forgiveness as a gift that triumphs over sin finds echoes throughout Scripture. For instance, the Apostle Paul writes 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." This verse perfectly encapsulates the song's central theme: forgiveness as an unearned, divine bestowal. Furthermore, the imagery of a "second chance to walk" directly aligns with the redemptive narrative found in the Psalms, where the Psalmist often cries out for deliverance and renewal, trusting in God's faithful mercies. Consider Psalm 51, a penitent prayer for forgiveness, which includes the plea, "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Mote's expression of God wiping away tears and offering understanding speaks to the tender compassion described in Isaiah 61:1-3, where the Spirit of the Lord God is upon the anointed one to "proclaim good news to the poor... to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve... to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair." The "sweetness" of this forgiveness lies in its power to transform sorrow into joy and despair into hope, offering a complete restoration of fellowship and purpose. The song, therefore, is not just a beautiful reflection, but a powerful testament to the liberating and life-affirming nature of God's grace, inviting all who hear it to embrace this abundant, divinely offered pardon.