Reckless Love

Michael W. Smith's song "Reckless Love" is a powerful testament to the boundless and unconditional love of God. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a divine love that is relentless and all-encompassing, a love that existed even before the singer was aware of it. The opening lines, "Before I spoke a word You were singing over me / You have been so, so good to me," suggest a pre-existing, nurturing relationship between the divine and the individual. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, emphasizing the idea that God's love is not contingent on human actions or worthiness.

The chorus, with its repeated declaration of the "overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God," underscores the idea that this love is both relentless and self-sacrificial. The phrase "leaves the ninety-nine" is a direct reference to the Parable of the Lost Sheep from the Bible, where a shepherd leaves his flock of ninety-nine sheep to find the one that is lost. This metaphor highlights the personal and individual nature of God's love, suggesting that each person is uniquely valued and sought after.

The bridge of the song further amplifies this message with its imagery of God overcoming any obstacle to reach the individual: "No shadow You won't light up, mountain You won't climb up / Coming after me." This relentless pursuit is portrayed as an act of divine grace, emphasizing that God's love is not something that can be earned or deserved, but is freely given. The song as a whole serves as a reminder of the transformative power of divine love, capable of reaching and redeeming even those who feel unworthy or lost.