Michael W. Smith - Never Been Unloved Lyrics
Lyrics
I have been unfaithful
I have been unworthy
I have been unrighteous
And I have been unmerciful
I have been unreachable
I have been unteachable
I have been unwilling
And I have been undesirable
And sometimes i have been unwise
I've been undone by what I'm unsure of
But because of youand all that you went through
I know that I have never been unloved
I have been unbroken
I have been unmended
I have been uneasy
And I've been unapproachable
I've been unemotional
I've been unexceptional
I've been undecided
And I have been unqualified
Unaware-I have been unfair
I've been unfit for blessings from above
But even I can see
The sacrifice you made for me
To show aht I have never been unloved
It's because of you
And all that you went through
I know that I have never been unloved
Video
Never Been Unloved
Meaning & Inspiration
Released on November 6, 2014, Michael W. Smith's "Never Been Unloved" stands as a poignant exploration of human fallibility met by divine, unwavering affection. The song immediately plunges into a raw, honest self-assessment, presenting a litany of "un-" words that describe our inherent imperfections and spiritual shortcomings. It doesn't shy away from confronting the uncomfortable truths of our nature, laying bare the human condition in a way that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever wrestled with feelings of inadequacy, regret, or spiritual distance. This candid introspection sets the stage for a profound spiritual revelation, guiding the listener from a place of self-condemnation to the secure embrace of unconditional love.
The opening verses paint a stark picture of personal and spiritual failings, acknowledging a spectrum of deficiencies: "unfaithful," "unworthy," "unrighteous," and "unmerciful" speak directly to our inability to uphold God’s perfect standard, echoing Scripture’s assertion that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Further confessions like "unreachable," "unteachable," and "unwilling" highlight our often-stubborn resistance to grace and truth, even our own desire to be left in our brokenness. Such a detailed inventory of human brokenness reflects the Psalms where King David often lamented his own transgressions before God (Psalm 51). Yet, the power of the song lies not in dwelling on these shortcomings, but in the immediate, transformative pivot in the chorus, where the source of ultimate worth is revealed: "But because of you and all that you went through, I know that I have never been unloved." This powerful shift attributes all redemption to Christ’s sacrifice, solidifying the message of John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
As the song progresses, it continues to catalog more subtle yet equally impactful dimensions of human struggle. Phrases like "unbroken," "unmended," and "uneasy" touch on lingering wounds and a lack of spiritual peace, while "unapproachable," "unemotional," and "unexceptional" speak to feelings of isolation, perceived insignificance, and a guarded heart. These declarations resonate with the human tendency to build walls and believe ourselves undeserving of kindness or belonging. The self-description as "unqualified" is particularly poignant, reminding us of how often we feel insufficient for God’s purposes or blessings. However, this very feeling positions us perfectly for God’s grace, as His word often states that He uses the weak and foolish things of the world to shame the wise (1 Corinthians 1:27). The second chorus reinforces this foundational truth, emphasizing a personal conviction: "But even I can see the sacrifice you made for me to show that I have never been unloved." This line moves beyond a general theological understanding to a deeply personal realization of the cross's efficacy, echoing the transforming power of God's love demonstrated on Calvary (Romans 5:8).
Ultimately, "Never Been Unloved" serves as an enduring anthem of hope and divine affirmation. It masterfully articulates the profound paradox of Christian faith: our deep unworthiness is met not with condemnation, but with an immeasurable love that transcends all our failures. It's a lyrical journey from self-incrimination to a secure identity found solely in Christ's finished work. The song's enduring message is a spiritual balm for anyone who has ever felt overlooked, rejected, or simply not good enough. It steadfastly directs the heart back to the cross, reminding every soul that their value is not contingent upon their perfection or performance, but upon the perfect, unchanging, and limitless love of God, made manifest through the unparalleled sacrifice of Jesus Christ, ensuring that no one who turns to Him has ever truly been unloved.