Michael W. Smith - Reckless Love Lyrics
Lyrics
Before I spoke a word, You were singing over me
You have been so, so good to me
Before I took a breath, You breathed Your life in me
You have been so, so kind to me
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights 'til I'm found, leaves the ninety-nine
I couldn't earn it, and I don't deserve it, still, You give Yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, yeah
When I was Your foe, still Your love fought for me
You have been so, so good to me
When I felt no worth, You paid it all for me
You have been so, so kind to me
And oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights 'til I'm found, leaves the ninety-nine
And I couldn't earn it, and I don't deserve it, still, You give Yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, yeah
There's no shadow You won't light up
Mountain You won't climb up
Coming after me
There's no wall You won't kick down
Lie You won't tear down
Coming after me
There's no shadow You won't light up
Mountain You won't climb up
Coming after me
There's no wall You won't kick down
Lie You won't tear down
Coming after me
There's no shadow You won't light up
Mountain You won't climb up
Coming after me
There's no wall You won't kick down
Lie You won't tear down
Coming after me
There's no shadow You won't light up
Mountain You won't climb up
Coming after me
There's no wall You won't kick down
Lie You won't tear down
Coming after me
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights 'til I'm found, leaves the ninety-nine
And I couldn't earn it, I don't deserve it, still, You give Yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, yeah
Video
Michael W. Smith - Reckless Love (Live Concert Video)
Meaning & Inspiration
Michael W. Smith's rendition of "Reckless Love," released on February 23, 2018, as part of his album *Surrounded*, quickly resonated across the global worship landscape, solidifying its place as a profound declaration of divine affection. While not an original composition for Smith, his iconic voice brought a new gravitas to this contemporary anthem, amplifying its message of God's relentless pursuit. The song delves into the very nature of God's character, portraying a love so immense and unreserved that it seems "reckless" from a human perspective—not careless or irresponsible, but utterly extravagant, boundless, and willing to go to extreme lengths. It speaks to a pre-existent love, declaring, "Before I spoke a word, You were singing over me," echoing Psalm 139:13-16, which speaks of God's intimate knowledge and formation of us even before birth. This foundational truth establishes the song's central premise: God's love is proactive, initiated not by human merit but by divine essence.
The heart of "Reckless Love" unpacks this overwhelming love, portraying it as a force that "chases me down, fights 'til I'm found, leaves the ninety-nine." This imagery directly invokes the Parable of the Lost Sheep found in Matthew 18:12-14 and Luke 15:3-7, where a shepherd leaves the majority of his flock to search for the one lost sheep. It powerfully illustrates God's individual focus and infinite value placed on each person, demonstrating a divine determination to rescue and restore. The lines, "I couldn't earn it, and I don't deserve it, still, You give Yourself away," lay bare the concept of grace—an unmerited favor that cannot be achieved through works or human effort, but is freely given. This aligns perfectly with Ephesians 2:8-9, which states that salvation is by grace through faith, not by human deeds, emphasizing that God's greatest act of giving was sacrificing Himself through Christ (Romans 5:8).
The song further explores the depth of this divine commitment through poignant statements like, "When I was Your foe, still Your love fought for me," and "When I felt no worth, You paid it all for me." These lyrics directly address humanity's fallen state, estranged from God, yet pursued by His love. Romans 5:10 reminds us that "while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son," showcasing the immense breadth of God's redemptive work. The payment mentioned refers to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who paid the full price for sin, as affirmed in 1 Peter 1:18-19, redeeming us not with perishable things but with His precious blood. This underscores a love that transcends human condition and self-perception, offering worth where none was perceived and fighting battles we could not win alone.
The bridge serves as a fervent declaration of God's active pursuit and triumph over all obstacles: "There's no shadow You won't light up / Mountain You won't climb up / Coming after me / There's no wall You won't kick down / Lie You won't tear down / Coming after me." These powerful metaphors paint a picture of God's relentless intervention in the dark places of our lives, His willingness to overcome insurmountable challenges, dismantle barriers that separate us from Him, and expose falsehoods that blind us. This resonates with scriptural truths like John 1:5, which states that "the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it," and 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, speaking of divine power to demolish strongholds and arguments. It reassures the individual of God's unwavering presence and active engagement, always seeking to draw us closer and establish truth.
Ultimately, Michael W. Smith's interpretation of "Reckless Love" is a powerful testament to the overwhelming, never-ending nature of God's love. It encourages a profound shift in perspective, moving from a self-centric view of earning favor to a revelation of being ceaselessly pursued and cherished by a Creator whose affection knows no bounds. The song inspires profound reflection on the sheer generosity and uncompromising devotion of the divine, fostering a sense of security and belonging that transcends earthly understanding. It’s a worship anthem that not only declares a truth but invites believers to immerse themselves in the transformative reality of God's personal, persistent, and utterly selfless love, reminding us that we are infinitely valued and eternally pursued.