Matt Redman - If You Know You're Loved Lyrics
Lyrics
If you know you're loved by the King
Sing, sing, sing
If you know you're loved by the King
Live for Him, live for Him
If you know you're loved by the King
Sing, sing, sing
If you know you're loved by the King
Live for Him, live for Him, oh
If you know you're loved by the King
Sing, sing, sing
If you know you're loved by the King
Live for Him, live for Him, oh
If you know you're loved by the King
Sing, sing, sing
If you know you're loved by the King
Then live for Him, live for Him
We sing, sing, sing, sing, sing.
Oh.
Come on, live for Him, live for Him.
Oh,
If you know you're loved by the King
Sing, sing, sing
If you know you're loved by the King
Then live for Him, live for Him
Forgiven and free
How could I not say, oh
If you know, if you know,
If you know you're loved by the King
Live for Him, live, for Him, live for Him, yeah
Video
If you know you're loved (live for Him) - Matt Redman
Meaning & Inspiration
Matt Redman’s "If You Know You’re Loved by the King," released on January 1, 2006, as part of the *Beautiful News (Bonus Track Version)* album, distills the essence of the Christian life into a profoundly simple yet powerful anthem. Far beyond its minimalist structure, the song offers a theological invitation, urging a fundamental response to a foundational truth: the divine, unconditional love of God, personified by the "King." Its core message isn't merely a suggestion but a joyful imperative, prompting a dual reaction of worship and dedicated living once this incredible love is truly apprehended.
The story behind this song, like much of Redman's work, stems from a desire to strip away complexity and return to the heart of faith. It’s a call to remember our primary identity as children deeply loved by our Creator, the sovereign King of the universe. This "King" unequivocally refers to God, and specifically to Jesus Christ, through whom this boundless love is most fully revealed and made accessible. The song posits that if one grasps this central truth—that they are cherished, valued, and pursued by the King—then two inevitable and natural responses should follow: "Sing, sing, sing" and "Live for Him, live for Him." This isn't a complex philosophical treatise but a visceral, immediate prompting from a heart transformed by grace.
The call to "sing, sing, sing" isn't just about vocalizing; it's an outpouring of praise, a spiritual response born of gratitude and awe. When we understand the magnitude of God's affection, our spirit is moved to express adoration. As Psalm 100:1-2 declares, "Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs." This communal and individual act of singing becomes a tangible acknowledgment of His worthiness and our deep-seated thankfulness for His benevolent rule. It’s a testament to the new song placed in our hearts, a melody of redemption and liberation that cannot be contained. Colossians 3:16 further encourages, "Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts." Our singing, therefore, becomes both a personal act of devotion and a corporate declaration of faith, strengthening the community and magnifying the King.
Following the joyful expression of worship, the song immediately pivots to the practical implication: "Live for Him, live for Him." This is where faith moves beyond emotion and into daily existence. Knowing we are loved by the King means our lives are no longer our own, nor are they aimless. They acquire a divine purpose and direction. Romans 12:1-2 powerfully articulates this, urging, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Living for Him entails aligning our choices, actions, and very being with His will and His kingdom. It means pursuing holiness, serving others, and embodying the love we have received. Paul’s own declaration in Philippians 1:21, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain," perfectly encapsulates this surrendered, Christ-centered existence. Our love for God, ignited by His love for us, compels us to dedicate our existence to His glory, not out of obligation, but out of a profound, joyous response.
The climax of the song introduces a crucial theological anchor: "Forgiven and free, how could I not say, oh." This phrase illuminates the *reason* for our singing and living for the King. We don’t earn His love; we receive it as a gift, predicated on forgiveness and the freedom that flows from it. Ephesians 1:7 proclaims, "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace." It is this liberation from the burden of sin and shame that truly unlocks the capacity for authentic worship and surrendered living. Without forgiveness, our attempts to sing or live for God would be tainted by guilt or striving. But because we are "forgiven and free," our response is pure, unadulterated gratitude. This freedom allows us to shed the old self and walk in newness of life, as Romans 6:6-7 describes: "For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we no longer be slaves to sin—because anyone who has died to sin has been set free from sin." This profound liberation empowers a life lived not in fear, but in confident, joyful obedience.
"If You Know You’re Loved by the King" is more than just a catchy melody for congregational singing; it’s a catechism in song, a reminder of the fundamental truths that underpin Christian faith and practice. Its repetitive structure serves not to diminish its impact but to engrave its message deeply into the soul. It calls us to constantly revisit the core identity bestowed upon us by God's love, urging an unceasing response of praise and purposeful living. It serves as an inspiring declaration that the Christian life, at its heart, is a beautiful, reciprocal dance: God loves us first, and in knowing that love, we are compelled to sing His praises and dedicate our lives entirely to Him. It's a testament to the transformative power of divine love, inviting everyone who encounters it to embrace their identity as deeply loved children of the King and respond with their whole being.