One there is above all others

One there is above all others,
well deserves the name of friend;
his is love beyond a brother’s,
costly, free and knows no end:
those who once his kindness prove,
find it everlasting love.

2. Which of all our friends, to save us
could, or would, have shed his blood?
But the Saviour died to have us
reconciled in him to God—
boundless love to meet our need!
Jesus is a friend indeed.

3. When he shared our human story,
‘friend of sinners’ was his name;
sharing now his Father’s glory,
he rejoices in the same:
still he calls us brothers, friends,
and to all our needs attends.

4. Could we bear from one another
what he daily bears from us?
Yet this glorious friend and brother
loves us, though we treat him thus.
Though for good we render ill,
yet he calls us brothers still.

5. O for grace our hearts to soften!
Teach us, Lord, at length to love:
sadly, we forget too often
what a friend we have above.
But when home our souls are brought,
we shall love you as we ought.