Blest Be the Dear Uniting Love

“Blest Be the Dear Uniting Love” is a hymn celebrating Christian fellowship and spiritual unity within the body of Christ. Written by Charles Wesley in 1740, the hymn reflects the strong emphasis on community and holy living that marked the early Methodist movement. It is often associated with gatherings of believers, particularly in contexts where unity, brotherly love, and shared commitment to Christ are being affirmed.

The opening line immediately draws attention to the blessing of unity. Psalm 133:1 declares, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (KJV). Wesley’s text echoes this biblical vision, presenting Christian fellowship not as a mere social bond but as a spiritual union rooted in Christ Himself. The love described is not sentimental affection, but covenant love grounded in shared redemption.

The hymn also reflects Ephesians 4:1-6, where believers are urged to walk worthy of their calling, “endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Wesley emphasizes humility, patience, and mutual care, virtues necessary for maintaining harmony in the church. The uniting love is “dear” because it was purchased by Christ’s sacrifice and sustained by the Holy Spirit.

Colossians 3:14 states, “And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” Wesley captures this truth by portraying love as the binding force that knits believers together. The hymn often expresses a willingness to bear one another’s burdens, to pray for one another, and to walk together in holiness. This reflects the Methodist class meetings where believers met regularly for accountability and encouragement.

There is also an echo of John 17:20-23, where the Lord Jesus prayed that His followers would be one, even as He and the Father are one. Wesley understood unity not as uniformity of personality, but as shared devotion to Christ and submission to His Word. The hymn becomes both thanksgiving and petition. It thanks God for the fellowship already enjoyed and asks Him to preserve and deepen it.

“Blest Be the Dear Uniting Love” remains a fitting hymn for church anniversaries, fellowship services, small group gatherings, and farewell occasions. Its theology is simple and scriptural. It reminds believers that unity is a divine gift, a sacred responsibility, and a testimony to the watching world that Christ truly saves and sanctifies His people.