I Then Shall Live
Yesterday, in our evening service, our songleader selected the following hymn for congregational singing. Though it’s been around for over 30 years, it is new to me. Though it’s not a theologically-rich song that takes our thoughts to the heights of God’s love and mercy toward us in Christ, it represents the very practical commitments of one who has truly experienced the grace of God. It is a song filled with gospel-motivated resolves to love as we have been loved.
I then shall live as one who’s been forgiven.
I’ll walk with joy to know my debts are paid.
I know my name is clear before my Father;
I am His child and I am not afraid.
So greatly pardoned, I’ll forgive my brother;
The law of love I gladly will obey.
I then shall live as one who’s learned compassion;
I’ve been so loved I’ll risk loving, too.
I know how fear builds walls instead of bridges;
I’ll dare to see another’s point of view.
And when relationships demand commitment,
Then I’ll be there to care and follow through.
Your kingdom come around and through and in me,
Your power and glory let them shine through me.
Your Hallowed name, oh may I bear with honor,
And may Your living Kingdom come in me.
The Bread of Life, O’ may I share with honor,
And may You feed a hungry world through me.
The hunger mentioned in the final stanza obviously refers to spiritual hunger. It is the Bread of Life—Jesus—whom we have the great privilege of holding out to one another as the all-satisfying One.
