I reviewed two of Jesus Culture’s songs in the past, namely, Rooftops and You Won’t Relent, both receiving favorable scores. Since my church regularly plays Your Love Never Fails, I thought I would review it and hope others are interested.

Those of you who are interested in more information about Jesus Culture may read the introduction of Rooftops. Otherwise, keep reading for my review of Your Love Never Fails.

Note to new users: This is a different kind of review site! Read About the Berean Test and Evaluation Criteria prior to reading this review.

1. What message does the song communicate?

“You” has a love for me that cannot fizzle, regardless of circumstances, conditions, location, or errors. Free of fear and perplexed at the idea of navigating to the other side, I recognize that all this is for my own benefit.

Though the identity of “You” is not explicitly stated, there are two things that point us believe that “You” refers to God:

A single reference within the Chorus (though repeated) to His unchanging nature; and Overly Scriptural references.

The level repetition is unacceptable within the Bridge. Singing the same line for a half dozen times seems like lazy writing; however, I can get past that no problem. Then, they do it all again with an additional nine repetitions a second time around!

*facepalm*

While I would have liked it better with one less Chorus, I’m not going to penalize it for this review; However, I noticed repetition shows up more on songs sung live. While I understand the Holy Spirit can move through people, repeating lines more and more, it’s just not my cup of tea.

Score: 7/10

2. How much of the lyrics line up with Scripture?

The entire song is consistent with the Word of God. Lyrics posted with permission.*

[Verse 1]

Nothing can separate

Even if I ran away

While Romans 8:38-39 gives us a laundry list of things that cannot separate us from God’s love, Jesus Culture’s word “nothing” succinctly captures the idea behind these two verses.

Your love never fails

While our love is often fleeting and temporary, God’s love can never fail us because God and His ways are perfect (Leviticus 11:44-45, Leviticus 19:2, Deuteronomy 32:4, 2 Samuel 22:31, Psalm 12:6, Psalm 18:30, Psalm 19:7-11, Psalm 25:8, Psalm 92:15, Isaiah 26:7, Matthew 5:48, Mark 10:18, Luke 18:19, Romans 12:1-2, and 1 Peter 1:16). God is also love (1 John 4:8).

I know I still make mistakes but

An acknowledgment of our guilt before God, consistent with Psalm 14:1-3, Psalm 53:1-3, Luke 18:19, Romans 3:10-12, and Romans 3:23.

You have new mercies for me everyday

Or more specifically, in accordance with Lamentations 3:22-23, His mercies are new every morning.

Your love never fails

Repeats line 3.

[Chorus 1]

You stay the same through the ages

Your love never changes

Though God does change His mind (see article on God changes His mind), God Himself, in His nature, does not change (see Numbers 23:19, Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8, and James 1:17).

There may be pain in the night

But joy comes in the morning

Directly quoted from Psalms 30:5, which is part of a larger context about giving thanks to God, consistent with the demeanor and tone of this song. It draws attention to the momentary anger God had towards us overshadowed by the mercies received forever.

And when the oceans rage

I don’t have to be afraid

Though Jesus Culture is not specific about what the “oceans” refer to, a common sense interpretation is a catch-all for the troubles in this life. It is because of God that we don’t have to fear our own circumstances (see Genesis 15:1, Joshua 1:9, Deuteronomy 31:6, 1 Chronicles 28:20, Psalm 23:4, Psalm 27:1, Psalm 34:4, Psalm 56:3-4, Psalm 94:19, Psalm 115:11, Psalm 118:6, Isaiah 35:4, Isaiah 41:10-13, Isaiah 43:1, Isaiah 54:4, John 14:25-27, Romans 8:15, Romans 8:38-39, 2 Timothy 1:7, Hebrews 13:5-6, 1 Peter 3:13-14, 1 Peter 5:6-7, and 1 John 4:18).

Because I know that You love me

We know God loves us for two reasons:

As mentioned earlier, God is love; and God’s actions towards us (see Nehemiah 9:17, Psalm 17:7, Psalm 36:5-7, Psalm 63:3, Psalm 69:16, Psalm 117:2, Isaiah 54:8, John 3:16, John 13:34, John 15:13, Romans 5:6-8, Romans 8:37-39, Galatians 2:20, Ephesians 2:4-5, Ephesians 5:25, Titus 3:4, 1 John 4:8, and 1 John 4:16-19).

Your love never fails

Repeats Verse 1 line 3.

[Verse 2]

The wind is strong and the water’s deep

I’m not alone in these open seas

More oceanic language that pairs with Chorus 1 line 5. God will never leave us or forsake us (see Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5).

‘Cause Your love never fails

Repeats Verse 1 line 3 with an added “’cause”.

The chasm is far too wide

I never thought I’d reach the other side

Specifically refers to the separation between God and us. It describes God’s rescue from eternal separation into a relationship with Himself (see Genesis 15:1, Joshua 1:9, Deuteronomy 31:6, 1 Chronicles 28:20, Psalm 23:4, Psalm 27:1, Psalm 34:4, Psalm 56:3-4, Psalm 94:19, Psalm 115:11, Psalm 118:6, Isaiah 35:4, Isaiah 41:10-13, Isaiah 43:1, Isaiah 54:4, John 14:25-27, Romans 8:15, Romans 8:38-39, 2 Timothy 1:7, Hebrews 13:5-6, 1 Peter 3:13-14, 1 Peter 5:6-7, and 1 John 4:18).

‘Cause Your love never fails

Repeats Verse 1 line 3 with an added “’cause”.

[Chorus]

Repeats Chorus 1 with the exception of this line, existing in line 8: Lift up and shout, This is a direction of praise to God.

[Bridge]

‘Cause You make all things, work together for my good

Directly references Romans 8:28.

You make all things, work together for my good

‘Cause You make all things, work together for my good

‘Cause You make all things work together for my good

You make all things work together for my good

You make all things work together for my good

Repeats line 1, with or without the leading “cause”.

Score: 10/10

3. How would an outsider interpret the song?

I’m not entirely sure how much an unbeliever will understand. Yes, there are a lot of Bible references throughout these lyrics; however, for someone who understands little to nothing about the Bible, I suspect that much of this song will go over their heads. This song seems to have Christians in mind, using language that is not as accessible to the uninitiated. Will they understand this to be a Christian song? Maybe with the Chorus, but it’s a crapshoot at best.

My suspicion is that it will leave their heads scratching asking themselves “what in thunder are they talking about?” Except without the mention of thunder.

Score: 2/10

4. What does this song glorify?

Though somewhat hidden, God’s glory shines forth throughout these lyrics. Even if the “darkness cannot comprehend it” (John 1:5).

Score: 8/10

Closing Comments

Your Love Never Fails is a mixed bag. Though highly Scriptural, its message suffers from too much repetition, with an unattainable message for unbelievers. Still, God’s glory can be found within Jesus Culture’s hit song, even if the unsaved may not get it.

Overall, it’s a great song for Christ followers, especially during worship. It’s just not for me.

Final Score: 7.5/10

Artist Info

Track: Your Love Never Fails (Live) (listen to the song) (buy the song)

Artist: Jesus Culture

Album: Your Love Never Fails (Live) (buy the album)

Genre: Rock

Release Year: 2010

Duration: 7:57

Agree? Disagree? Don’t be shy or have a cow! Calmly and politely state your case in a comment, below.

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