Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling

Hymn writer Will L. Thompson was a prolific composer who wrote in a wide variety of styles. Thompson always carried a notebook with him. He said: “If an idea or theme comes to me … I jot it down in verse. … As I write the words of a song, a fitting melody is already in my mind.” A devout member of his local Presbyterian church in Ohio, USA, he donated generously to help build a new chapel. Even while he was abroad near the end of his life, he would write back to hear about progress on the new church that he loved so much. “Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling” is one of his most well-known and beloved sacred songs. Some of his other hymns include “Have I Done Any Good?” and “Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel.”

The hymn draws from the parable of the prodigal son, reminding us that we too have sinned (see Romans 3:23) and that we too have a merciful Savior who is calling us to repent and come home. The hymn urges us not to “tarry” and “linger,” but to partake of the Savior’s love, mercy, and forgiveness.

Find lyrics, sheet music, and recordings for Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling

Scriptures

Principles

The Lord lovingly calls us to return to Him.
Jesus Christ invites us to repent and receive His mercy and forgiveness.
Because the Lord offers His abundant love and mercy, there is no need for us to delay our repentance.

Questions to Ponder

What are some ways that our Savior may call out to us?
What do we know about Jesus Christ that can motivate us not to delay our repentance?
When have you experienced the Savior’s mercy and forgiveness?

Related Gospel Study Guides

From Topics and Questions, Gospel Library:

Activities for Families

Talk about the tone of voices in your home. Listen to or sing this hymn as a family, and list different tones often heard in your home, such as loud, angry, gentle, kind, hurtful, loving, or sarcastic. Next, identify the tones used by Jesus in the hymn, like “softly,” “tenderly,” “earnestly,” and “pleading.” Have family members take turns cupping their hands to their mouths and saying “Come home” in different tones—loud, soft, angry, or tender. Discuss how using gentle, loving tones like the Savior makes a difference and how His voice shows His care for us and His desire for us to return home to Him.
Talk about how Jesus Christ lovingly calls us to repent and come to Him.
- Tell your children the story of the prodigal son, and talk about the father’s love and joy when his son repented and returned home (see Luke 15:11–24). Explain that like the father in the story, Jesus Christ wants us to “come home” to Him and Heavenly Father. Repentance is a gift that makes this possible.
- Play a recording of the hymn, and invite your children to listen for words that describe how the Savior is calling and waiting for us, such as “softly,” “tenderly,” “patiently,” “pleading,” and “earnestly.” What do these words teach about Jesus Christ and His invitation to repent? Play the hymn again, and encourage your children to sing the words “come home” each time they hear them. Testify of a loving Savior who invites us to repent and “come home” to Him.