How Much I Owe

“How Much I Owe” is a hymn written by Robert Murray McCheyne, a young Scottish minister whose brief life left a lasting spiritual legacy. This hymn reflects his deep awareness of the believer’s indebtedness to Christ’s redeeming love. It opens with a heartfelt recognition of the Savior’s mercy and the immense price paid for salvation. McCheyne leads the singer into a posture of humble gratitude, reflecting on the wonder of forgiveness and the joy of belonging to Christ.

The key thought of the hymn mirrors the message of Luke 7:47, where Jesus says, “Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.” McCheyne captures this truth by expressing how the realization of divine pardon increases love and devotion toward the Savior. Each stanza unfolds an ever-deepening sense of wonder at Christ’s grace, leading to a renewed commitment to love, serve, and praise Him.

The language is simple yet profound, emphasizing gratitude rather than self-reliance. The hymn has often been used in personal devotion and worship, especially in times of reflection on Christ’s sacrifice. It invites believers to meditate on the immeasurable debt they owe to Jesus, not as a burden, but as a reason for continual thanksgiving and joyful obedience. Through this hymn, McCheyne leaves us with a timeless reminder of the richness of divine grace and the believer’s heartfelt response of love.