O Love of God, How Strong and True

“O Love of God, How Strong and True” is a rich hymn by Horatius Bonar that celebrates the steadfast, unchanging love of God revealed in Jesus Christ. Written in 1861, the hymn reflects Bonar’s deep pastoral theology, emphasizing assurance, redemption, and the eternal constancy of God’s grace toward sinners.

The hymn proclaims God’s love as both powerful and faithful. Drawing on Romans 5:8, it presents divine love not as a response to human merit, but as grace shown to sinners while they were still estranged from God. This love is rooted in God’s character and covenant faithfulness, echoing the repeated refrain of Psalm 136 that God’s mercy endures forever.

Bonar also contrasts the permanence of God’s love with the transience of the world. Earthly kingdoms, ambitions, and sorrows pass away, but the love of God remains unchanged. Hebrews 13:8 supports this theme by affirming that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The hymn therefore offers strong comfort to believers facing uncertainty, reminding them that their hope rests in an unshakable foundation.

Christ’s redemptive work stands at the center of the hymn. God’s love is not merely declared but demonstrated through the cross, where justice and mercy meet. In harmony with 1 John 4:9-10, the hymn points to Christ’s sacrifice as the ultimate expression of divine love that secures salvation and reconciles sinners to God.

“O Love of God, How Strong and True” has been valued for its doctrinal clarity and devotional depth. It is frequently used in worship services focused on redemption, assurance, and thanksgiving. Through its thoughtful language and scriptural grounding, the hymn continues to strengthen faith and direct hearts to the enduring love of God in Christ.