Jon Thurlow - Only Love Remains Lyrics
Lyrics
(Let there be) no reservations, no walls
But just an open door in my heart for You
I want to give all that's inside of my heart
I want to give all that's inside of my heart to You
Everything else is fading away
Only love (only love) only love remains (only love remains)
It's not the riches, it's not the fame
It's not the power, it's not my name
Only love (only love) only love (only love) only love (only love)
So take the same love that's inside Your heart
And put that same love deep inside of me
Everything else, everything else,
Everything else is fading (only love remains)
Video
Love Remains
Meaning & Inspiration
Jon Thurlow’s "Only Love Remains," released on November 6, 2014, is a profound and resonant declaration of spiritual surrender, inviting a deep introspection into what truly holds eternal value. The song immediately sets a posture of vulnerability, expressing a desire for "no reservations, no walls, but just an open door" in one's heart for God. This mirrors the biblical call to offer our whole selves, a living sacrifice as detailed in Romans 12:1, moving beyond superficial gestures to an unhindered intimacy with the Divine. It’s an active plea to dismantle the self-built barriers that often keep us from complete devotion, echoing the yearning for a pure heart that King David expressed in Psalm 51:10.
The core of the song quickly establishes a radical commitment, stating the clear intention to "give all that's inside of my heart" to God. This isn't merely a partial offering but an all-encompassing dedication, aligning with the greatest commandment to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and mind as Christ teaches in Matthew 22:37. It lays bare the truth that genuine faith demands our entire being, not just a portion. This absolute surrender serves as the foundation for the central revelation: "Everything else is fading away, only love, only love remains." This isn't a casual observation but a powerful spiritual truth, deeply rooted in Scripture. Paul's eloquent discourse in 1 Corinthians 13:8-13 affirms that while prophecies will cease, tongues will be stilled, and knowledge will pass away, love never fails. It is the enduring, eternal attribute that transcends all temporal achievements and possessions.
The song then pointedly dismantles the idols of the modern world and the human heart, asserting, "It's not the riches, it's not the fame, it's not the power, it's not my name, only love... only love remains." This is a stark reminder of Jesus' poignant question in Mark 8:36: "What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?" Thurlow brilliantly distills the vanity of earthly pursuits – wealth, recognition, influence, even personal legacy – against the backdrop of God's eternal truth. It resonates with Paul’s own testimony in Philippians 3:7-8, where he considered everything a loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus. The repeated emphasis on "only love remains" is not just a catchy phrase but a theological anchor, grounding the listener in the immutable character of God, who is love itself, as affirmed in 1 John 4:8.
The transformation sought within the song reaches its peak with a prayerful request: "So take the same love that's inside Your heart and put that same love deep inside of me." This is a humble and powerful petition for divine infusion, asking God to impart His own selfless, agape love into the believer. It acknowledges that human love often falls short and seeks the supernatural empowerment to love as God loves, a love that is patient, kind, and seeks no personal gain (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). Romans 5:5 assures us that God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, making this a prayer for the manifestation and activation of that indwelling divine nature. The song concludes by reiterating that "everything else... is fading," solidifying the ultimate message: in a world of fleeting trends and temporary triumphs, a life centered on God's enduring love is the only true constant, the only genuine treasure that transcends time and tribulation. It’s a compelling anthem for anyone seeking to align their deepest desires with the eternal heart of God, offering profound encouragement to shed worldly attachments and embrace the singular, transforming power of divine love.