The hymn "More Holiness Give Me" always touches me deeply. As I reflect on the year that has ended and the new year before me, I echo the plea for more of the characteristics that help me be more like Christ and help me grow into the person I can be because I am a daughter of God.
More Holiness Give Me
More holiness give me,
More strivings within,
More patience in suff’ring,
More sorrow for sin,
More faith in my Savior,
More sense of his care,
More joy in his service,
More purpose in prayer.
More gratitude give me,
More trust in the Lord,
More pride in his glory,
More hope in his word,
More tears for his sorrows,
More pain at his grief,
More meekness in trial,
More praise for relief.
More purity give me,
More strength to o’ercome,
More freedom from earth-stains,
More longing for home.
More fit for the kingdom,
More used would I be,
More blessed and holy—
More, Savior, like thee.
I like the phrase, “more freedom from earth stains.” Christ shows us the way to stay "unspotted from the world."
Each time I hear the hymn, different phrases jump out at me. Sometimes the Spirit reminds me about patience. Other times it's faith or joy or purpose in prayer. The words of this hymn and the Spirit that accompanies it are always reminders that there is more for me to do and more for me to be - "More, Savior, like thee."
*Text and music: Philip Paul Bliss, 1838–1876
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