He Lifted Me

“In Loving-Kindness Jesus Came” is one of Charles H. Gabriel’s most enduring gospel hymns, written in 1885. It beautifully portrays the personal work of salvation through the tender mercy of Christ. The hymn reflects the imagery of Psalm 40:2, describing how Jesus lifted the sinner from the “depths of sin and shame” and set them upon the solid rock of His redeeming grace. From the very beginning, the hymn communicates the compassion and condescension of the Savior, who willingly reaches down to rescue the lost soul. The repeated refrain “From sinking sand He lifted me” emphasizes both the helpless condition of mankind and the mighty deliverance found in Jesus.

Each stanza highlights a different aspect of the believer’s salvation experience. The hymn begins with the call of mercy, then moves to the experience of being set free and placed upon the firm foundation of Christ. It celebrates not only deliverance from sin but also the new dignity and hope given to the redeemed. The imagery of lifting, setting, and establishing reflects the transforming power of God’s grace. For the believer, this hymn becomes both a testimony and a proclamation of God’s mighty love.

“In Loving-Kindness Jesus Came” quickly became a beloved hymn in revival services and church gatherings, where its message of personal salvation resonated with hearts longing for assurance. Gabriel’s gift for combining theological truth with heartfelt expression made this hymn timeless. Generations of Christians have sung it as an anthem of gratitude, remembering the day when Christ, in His mercy, reached down and made them new. The simple refrain continues to encourage worshippers to rejoice in the Savior’s redeeming work, echoing the psalmist’s declaration that God “brought me up also out of an horrible pit.”