There is a Wideness in God's Mercy

There's a wideness in God's mercy 

   like the wideness of the sea; 

there's a kindness in God's justice, 

   which is more than liberty. 

There is welcome for the sinner, 

   and more graces for the good; 

there is mercy with the Savior; 

   there is healing in his blood. 

There is no place where earth's sorrows 

   are more felt than up in heaven; 

there is no place where earth's failings 

   have such kindly judgment given. 

There is plentiful redemption 

   in the blood that has been shed; 

there is joy for all the members 

   in the sorrows of the Head. 

For the love of God is broader 

   than the measure of the mind; 

and the heart of the Eternal 

   is most wonderfully kind. 

If our love were but more faithful, 

   we should trust God's every word; 

and our life would be thanksgiving 

   for the goodness of the Lord.

Fredrick William Faber

pic: 7 acts of mercy; Peter Brugel