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"the cost (given for us)" by HOMECOMING: Feeling the Weight of Grace


HOMECOMING's "the cost (given for us)" looks at the weight of what Jesus gave up to save humanity. The backstory that HOMECOMING wrote this song after talking about how easy it is to say "Jesus died for me" without really thinking about what that means. Like, what did it actually cost Him? Their approach wasn't to create another "thank You" song, but a song that invites us to slow down and truly feel the sacrifice He made. His sacrifice wasn't just a painful moment on a cross. It was everything. He gave up heaven. He was rejected, betrayed, beaten… and He still chose the cross for us. That kind of love doesn't make sense. But it's real.

HOMECOMING - the cost (given for us)The lyrics give words to the awe we feel: "You took my place // How can it be // By your grace I'm saved." And lines like "Your blood washed me clean" and "By your stripes I'm healed" remind us of the freedom and healing that He paid for. Then comes the part that points us to the price He had to pay: "I cannot imagine the cost of your love // Given for us."

This is more than being grateful, this is about trying to understand (if humanly possible) what this sacrifice actually meant to Him and how undeserved His grace is. "I could never pay // The debt I owe," which leaves only one response: our praise for the kind of love that doesn't make any sense. This wasn't cheap grace. It was the cost that he has given us. 

If you've ever skimmed over the phrase "Jesus died for me," then this song will hopefully stop you in your tracks to see the cross and help you realize again just how far Jesus went to bring us home.

(Related scripture: Isaiah 53:4-5; Philippians 2:6-8; 1 Peter 2:24)

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