This is an old hymn I’ve not heard in ages — I’m not sure why. I don’t know what brought it to mind today, but it brought to mind a sad situation we know of where a father with a wayward daughter seems to be assuming the stance of arms-folded hardness and toe-tapping impatience until his daughter repents. I don’t know his heart or the conversations they have privately, and I know his heart breaks for her. Yet seemingly, from a public vantage point, he’s forgotten that love woos and draws. There has to be a balance: sin can’t be skimmed over, but rather needs to be dealt with, yet love draws. Again, I don’t know their hearts: I pray for them. But I hope the daughter and all wayward ones know the tender love of a Savior who wants to cleanse, heal, and restore them in love.

In tenderness He sought me,
Weary and sick with sin;
And on His shoulders brought me
Back to His fold again.
While angels in His presence sang
Until the courts of Heaven rang.

Refrain:

Oh, the love that sought me!
Oh, the blood that bought me!
Oh, the grace that brought me to the fold,
Wondrous grace that brought me to the fold.

He washed the bleeding sin wounds,
And poured in oil and wine;
He whispered to assure me,
“I’ve found thee, thou art Mine”;
I never heard a sweeter voice;
It made my aching heart rejoice!

Refrain

He pointed to the nail prints,
For me His blood was shed,
A mocking crown so thorny
Was placed upon His head;
I wondered what He saw in me,
To suffer such deep agony.

Refrain

I’m sitting in His presence,
The sunshine of His face,
While with adoring wonder
His blessings I retrace.
It seems as if eternal days
Are far too short to sound His praise.

Refrain

So while the hours are passing,
All now is perfect rest,
I’m waiting for the morning,
The brightest and the best,
When He will call us to His side,
To be with Him, His spotless bride.

Refrain

– W. Spencer Walton

I couldn’t find a video of this hymn being sung to the tune I know: this one is just instrumental, but it was a blessing to me. Hopefully you can put together the words and melody easily if you’re not familiar with it. And may anyone reading who is not yet “in the fold” be found of the seeking Savior today.