How He Loves

John Mark McMillan's song 'How He Loves' is a profound exploration of divine love, expressed through vivid metaphors and emotional depth. The song opens with the line 'He is jealous for me,' immediately setting the tone for a personal and intense relationship between the divine and the individual. The metaphor 'Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree' illustrates the overwhelming and transformative power of this love, suggesting that it is both forceful and nurturing, capable of bending the individual but not breaking them.

As the song progresses, McMillan delves into the idea of afflictions being 'eclipsed by glory,' indicating that the struggles and pains of life are overshadowed by the magnificence of divine love. This realization leads to an epiphany about the beauty and greatness of this affection, emphasizing its all-encompassing nature. The repeated refrain 'Oh, how he loves us' serves as a mantra, reinforcing the central theme of unconditional love and acceptance.

The latter part of the song introduces the concept of redemption and grace, likening it to an ocean in which we are all sinking. This imagery conveys the idea that divine grace is boundless and all-encompassing. The line 'heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss' adds a raw, almost visceral element to the divine encounter, making it feel immediate and real. The song also touches on personal loss and suffering, referencing the death of a friend named Stephen. Despite this tragedy, the singer reaffirms his belief in divine goodness, countering the notion that God is cruel. This personal anecdote adds a layer of authenticity and vulnerability to the song, making its message of love and grace even more compelling.