Amazing Love (My Lord, What Love Is This)
Theology & Meaning
This Kendrick hymn meditates on the doctrine of substitutionary atonement with unusual lyrical precision — Christ bore our sin, shame, and punishment so that we might stand justified before the Father. The phrase 'amazing love' echoes Charles Wesley's famous exclamation, deliberately placing this modern hymn in the stream of evangelical hymnody. The 3/4 waltz feel gives the song a contemplative, almost reverent gravity that suits the weight of its subject matter — the Son of God dying for sinners who deserved condemnation. Theologically the song holds together both the justice of God (sin required a penalty) and the mercy of God (Christ paid it), refusing to let either truth eclipse the other. The response sections invite worshippers not merely to observe Calvary as a historical event but to personalise it — 'He died for me' — which is the pastoral heart of evangelical preaching on the cross. This song's power lies in how it translates theological truth into congregational prayer. The imagery of Christ's work moves beyond abstract doctrine into lived experience—the weight of His love becomes tangible in the worship moment. For congregations wrestling with assurance, this song provides both intellectual grounding and emotional release, reminding them that their standing before God rests entirely on Christ's finished work, not their own fluctuating righteousness. In pastoral ministry, you'll find this song particularly effective during seasons of doubt or discouragement, when worshippers need to be anchored back to foundational gospel realities. It serves as a corrective to therapeutic religion while maintaining tenderness—acknowledging both the cosmic scope of what Christ accomplished and the intensely personal nature of His love for each believer. The song refuses false comfort but offers genuine hope, grounded in redemptive history.
Worship Leadership Tips
Position this in the approach to communion or at the midpoint of a Good Friday service — its waltz meter creates a natural swaying rhythm that draws congregations into reflective awe rather than exuberant praise. Open with a spoken reading of Isaiah 53:4–5 before the first verse to ground the congregation in prophecy before they sing its fulfillment. Allow the chorus to breathe; resist the temptation to rush the tempo. A key change up a whole step on the final chorus is optional but can lift the congregation into a declaration posture after several verses of meditation. Pay careful attention to congregational familiarity. This song works most powerfully when people sing it from the heart rather than from paper. If your congregation is learning it, consider leading it across multiple weeks to allow it to settle into their memory. The pacing matters: rushing the tempo steals contemplative power. When positioned as a response to Scripture or sermon, let the word-music relationship speak without over-explanation. The song's theology is clear and will land differently in different hearts. Some worshippers need it for personal assurance; others need it to deepen understanding of Christ's work; still others sing it as thanksgiving for grace already experienced. Trust the song to do its work in the Spirit's hands.
Arrangement Tips
Works beautifully piano-led at a gentle waltz feel — avoid heavy kick-drum patterns that fight the 3/4 flow; a light brush snare or just piano and cello is ideal for the verses. Guitar players should capo 2 in C shape (sounds in D) for a warmer, less bright tone. Strings or a sustained synth pad underneath the chorus lifts the emotional weight. For a congregation that knows the song, try leading the final verse a cappella, then bringing the full band in for the last chorus — the contrast is powerful.
Scripture References
- Romans 5:8
- 1 John 4:10
- Isaiah 53:4-5
- Galatians 2:20
- 2 Corinthians 5:21