Saturday, March 14 How Deep the Father’s Love for Us

Scripture:
“See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are.” — 1 John 3:1

Hymn Focus:

How Deep the Father’s Love for Us

“How deep the Father’s love for us, how vast beyond all measure.”

“Behold the man upon a cross, my sin upon His shoulders.”

“It was my sin that held Him there until it was accomplished.”

Lent draws us to the cross with eyes wide open. The hymn How Deep the Father’s Love for Us refuses to let us sentimentalize the sacrifice of Christ. Instead, it invites us to behold the cross honestly—as the place where love and suffering meet.

The opening line names a love that cannot be measured or contained. Lent helps us see that this love is not abstract; it is costly. At the cross, the depth of the Father’s love is revealed not in words alone, but in the giving of the Son. This is love that enters pain for the sake of redemption.

The hymn’s stark confession—“It was my sin that held Him there”—calls us into truthful repentance. Lent is not about self-condemnation, but about recognizing our need for grace. When we acknowledge our part in Christ’s suffering, we also encounter the astonishing mercy that refuses to let sin have the final word.

The final stanza lifts our eyes beyond the cross to hope and assurance. Christ’s finished work becomes our confidence. Lent teaches us to live between sorrow and joy—holding grief for sin and gratitude for salvation together—until we reach the fullness of resurrection life.

Prayer

Loving Father,

In this Lenten season,

help us to behold the cross with humility and awe.

When we face the cost of your love,

lead us into repentance shaped by grace.

May the depth of your love for us

renew our faith, reshape our lives,

and draw us closer to you,

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.