Jonathan McReynolds - Always Loving Me Lyrics
Lyrics
Now I'm nowhere close to a perfect man
And it takes a supernatural love to even understand
That beyond the walls behind, the mask and confident smile,
Was a broken man trying to grow up and make life worthwhile,
And I know there were times that you probably shouldn't,
But I thank you for always loving me
And I know anyone else they probably wouldn't,
So I thank you for always loving me
Now I know there were days I looked at myself,
I felt like less of a person compared to everyone else,
What about this flaw to big to small, can I exchange?
And trying to make-up for where I fell short, I let sense slip away
And when I look in the mirror and don't like what I see
Oh, I just thank you for always loving me.
And I know I get bad but you wait patiently
I just want to thank you for always loving me.
Lord I just thank you for always loving me
Lord I just thank you for always loving me
So you just keep loving me (loving me)
So you just keep loving me (loving me)
So you just keep loving me (loving me)
Though I know I don't have everything
that it takes you keep lovin' me (loving me)
And regardless of every mistake that I make, you keep (loving me)
And it probably don't matter what I do or say, you keep (loving me)
And even with the pimples on my face, you keep (loving me)
So you just keep loving me
Lord I thank you for loving me (lovin' me)
Lord I thank you for loving me (lovin' me)
This little imperfect man
Lord I thank you for always lovin' me!
And when my friends walked away,
Lord I want to thank you for loving me
When my own family wrote me off, Lord I thank you for lovin' me
And when I can't even love myself, Lord I thank you for just lovin' me
Oh, in spite of me, Lord you keep lovin' me
Lord I thank you for always loving me
Video
Jonathan McReynolds - Lovin' Me (Official Video)
Meaning & Inspiration
Jonathan McReynolds' "Always Loving Me," released on July 2, 2013, is a powerful declaration of unwavering divine affection, a testament to God's steadfast love in the face of human imperfection. The song’s narrative artfully unfolds the journey of a man wrestling with his flaws, past mistakes, and moments of deep self-doubt. He lays bare his struggles, acknowledging that his imperfections and failings would likely cause anyone else to withdraw, yet God's love remains constant. This recognition of his own brokenness, the "mask and confident smile" hiding a man striving to grow, is the bedrock of the song's profound message. The lyrics resonate with a deep sense of gratitude for a love that sees beyond our outward presentation and into the depths of our being.
The core of "Always Loving Me" is an honest confession of inadequacy and a profound appreciation for grace. McReynolds articulates a universal human experience: the feeling of not measuring up, the internal battles with self-worth when comparing ourselves to others, and the urge to compensate for perceived shortcomings. He expresses a relatable vulnerability when he admits, "And when I look in the mirror and don't like what I see," a sentiment echoed in the Psalms, where David often cries out to God in his distress, yet always finds solace in God’s mercy (Psalm 51:17). The song's repeated refrain, "Lord, I thank you for always loving me," isn't just a catchy hook; it's a spiritual anchor, a declaration of faith in a love that is unconditional and unearned. This echoes the Apostle Paul's words in Romans 5:8: "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." The lyrics paint a picture of a God who patiently waits, as McReynolds confesses, "And I know I get bad but you wait patiently," a reflection of God's long-suffering nature described throughout Scripture, such as in Nehemiah 9:17: "They refused to listen and did not remember the miracles you had done for them. But you are a God of forgiveness, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love."
Furthermore, the song powerfully addresses the experience of being abandoned or misunderstood by human connections. McReynolds openly shares how friends and even family have turned away, yet God’s love persevered. This highlights a divine companionship that transcends earthly relationships, a comfort found in verses like Isaiah 41:10: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." The poignant line, "And when I can't even love myself, Lord, I thank you for just loving me," encapsulates the ultimate reliance on God’s love as a source of self-worth, particularly when our own capacity for self-love falters. This song serves as a potent reminder of the inexhaustible, steadfast, and transformative nature of God's love, encouraging listeners to embrace this divine assurance even in their most vulnerable moments. It is a Gospel anthem that inspires profound gratitude and a deeper understanding of God's perfect, unyielding affection.