Blest Be the Tie that Binds

For John Fawcett and his wife, it was an emotional moment. Born on this day in Lidget Green, England, in 1740 Fawcett was saved under the ministry of George Whitefield and then called to ministry.

In 1772 he was pastoring a small church in northern England, when he was asked to become the pastor of a larger church in London. This seemed like an opportunity he couldn’t pass up, so he accepted the call.

He and his wife packed, and John preached his farewell message. But as their parishioners gathered around them, they began having second thoughts about their decision. According to Osbeck’s 101 Hymn Stories, his wife said, “Oh John, John, I cannot bear this.” He responded, “Neither can I, and we will not go.”

Fawcett was so moved by the power of Christian fellowship that he wrote a hymn, “Blest Be the Tie that Binds.” He had seen how hearts are bound together “in Christian love; the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.”

He realized that, in Christ, we all are one and that “before our Father’s throne we pour our ardent prayers; our fears, our hopes, our aims are one, our comforts and our cares.” He saw that we need to “share each other’s woes, our mutual burdens bear.” Someday, all Believers will be united in Heaven, where we shall be free “from sorrow, toil and pain, and sin” and “perfect love and friendship reign through all eternity.”

Today, remember that you are part of the Body of Christ. Worship together. Pray together. Share each other’s burdens. Together, seek first God’s Kingdom.