Blessed Be the Tie That Binds

Songbook Hymn Sermons

Blessed Be the Tie That Binds
A Sermon based on the hymn by John Fawcett

Introduction
“Blessed Be the Tie That Binds” is a beloved hymn that celebrates the unity and love shared among Christians. Written by John Fawcett, an 18th-century preacher who chose to remain with his humble congregation rather than accept a more prestigious post, this hymn reflects the deep emotional and spiritual bond of the body of Christ. Rooted in passages like Colossians 3:14 and John 13:34–35, the hymn speaks of a connection that goes beyond social or physical ties—it is a spiritual communion grounded in love, service, and shared burdens.

The church is not a building or a mere assembly of people—it is a family bound together by the blood of Christ. When we worship, we do so “with one accord” (Acts 2:46); when we pray, we lift each other up (James 5:16); when we suffer, we suffer together (1 Corinthians 12:26). This hymn reminds us that Christian fellowship is not optional—it is essential to our growth, comfort, and faithfulness. Let us now explore each stanza and the biblical foundation behind its rich expressions of brotherly love.

Stanza 1
Blessed be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above.

Christian love is the bond that unites us. Paul urged the Colossians to “put on love, which is the bond of perfection” (Colossians 3:14). When our hearts are knit together in unity, we reflect the heavenly fellowship of God’s people. The early church exemplified this in Acts 2:42 as they continued steadfastly in “fellowship” and the breaking of bread.

Stanza 2
Before our Father’s throne
We pour our ardent prayers;
Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,
Our comforts and our cares.

Here we see the shared prayer life of believers. James 5:16 says, “Pray one for another.” Our unity isn’t just seen in presence, but in participation—we bring our fears and hopes before the Father together. Romans 12:15 reminds us to “rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.”

Stanza 3
We share our mutual woes,
Our mutual burdens bear;
And often for each other flows
The sympathizing tear.

Galatians 6:2 commands us to “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” This verse encapsulates the meaning of this stanza. In Christ, we are not alone. Whether through grief, trial, or hardship, we stand together. The “tie that binds” is never stronger than in shared sorrow and sincere compassion.

Stanza 4
When we asunder part,
It gives us inward pain;
But we shall still be joined in heart,
And hope to meet again.

Even in physical separation, Christians remain connected in spirit. Paul wrote to the Thessalonians with deep emotion, longing to see their faces again (1 Thessalonians 2:17). But more than that, we have the hope of eternal reunion. Death may part us, but not forever—Revelation 21:4 promises that the day is coming when there will be no more separation or sorrow.

Blessed Be the Tie That Binds Sermon Outline:

Introduction

• The hymn celebrates Christian unity and fellowship

• Colossians 3:14; John 13:34–35 – Love as the binding force of the church

Stanza 1 – The Spiritual Bond

• Colossians 3:14 – Love is the bond of perfection

• Acts 2:42 – Fellowship of kindred minds

Stanza 2 – Shared Prayer and Purpose

• James 5:16 – Confess and pray for one another

• Romans 12:15 – Shared joys and sorrows

Stanza 3 – Burden-Bearing Fellowship

• Galatians 6:2 – Bear one another’s burdens

• 1 Corinthians 12:26 – Suffer and rejoice together

Stanza 4 – Hope Beyond Separation

• 1 Thessalonians 2:17 – Desire for reunion

• Revelation 21:4 – No more parting in eternity

Call to Action
Let us never take for granted the “tie that binds.” In an age of division and isolation, Christian fellowship is more vital than ever. Let us draw closer to one another, pray for one another, and serve one another—knowing that our bond in Christ is eternal and blessed.

Scripture Reference List:

• Colossians 3:14 – Love binds everything together in perfect harmony

• Acts 2:42 – Early Christians continued in fellowship

• John 13:34–35 – Love one another as I have loved you

• James 5:16 – Pray for one another

• Romans 12:15 – Rejoice and weep together

• Galatians 6:2 – Bear one another’s burdens

• 1 Corinthians 12:26 – If one suffers, all suffer

• 1 Thessalonians 2:17 – Separated in presence, not in heart

• Revelation 21:4 – No more death or sorrow

Song History
John Fawcett wrote “Blessed Be the Tie That Binds” in 1782 after deciding not to leave his small congregation in Wainsgate, England, despite being offered a more prominent position in London. Moved by the love and unity he experienced among his brethren, he penned this hymn as a tribute to Christian fellowship. Its timeless message continues to unite congregations in worship and affection today.

Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

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