James Cleveland’s “Jesus Is the Best Thing” is a classic gospel song written by the legendary gospel musician in 1962. The song is known for its powerful lyrics, which express the singer’s deep love and gratitude for Jesus Christ.
The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, and it remains a popular choice for choirs and gospel groups. It is often performed at church services, concerts, and other special events. The song’s message of hope and redemption has resonated with people of all ages and backgrounds.
In addition to its musical and spiritual significance, “Jesus Is the Best Thing” is also an important piece of African-American history. The song was written during the Civil Rights Movement, and it became an anthem for many who were fighting for equality and justice. The song’s lyrics speak to the power of faith and hope in the face of adversity.
1. Love
The lyrics to “Jesus Is the Best Thing” are a powerful expression of the singer’s love for Jesus Christ. This love is evident in every line of the song, and it is what makes the song so moving and inspirational. The singer’s love for Jesus is not just a feeling; it is a deep and abiding commitment that has transformed their life.
- Unconditional love: The singer’s love for Jesus is unconditional. They love Him not because of what He has done for them, but because of who He is. This love is evident in the lyrics, “I love Him because He first loved me.”
- Sacrificial love: The singer’s love for Jesus is sacrificial. They are willing to give up everything for Him. This love is evident in the lyrics, “I’ll never forget the day He died for me.”
- Transforming love: The singer’s love for Jesus has transformed their life. They are no longer the same person they were before they met Him. This love is evident in the lyrics, “He’s made me whole again.”
The singer’s love for Jesus is a powerful example of the transformative power of love. It is a love that can change lives and make the world a better place.
2. Gratitude
The lyrics to “Jesus Is the Best Thing” are filled with gratitude for Jesus’ love and sacrifice. The singer thanks Jesus for dying on the cross to save us from our sins, and for giving us the hope of eternal life. This gratitude is evident in every line of the song, from the opening line, “Jesus is the best thing that ever happened to me,” to the closing line, “I love Him more than words can say.”
- Thankfulness for salvation: The singer is grateful for Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, which saved us from our sins. They sing, “Thank you, Jesus, for dying on the cross for me.” This gratitude is based on the understanding that we are all sinners who deserve to be punished for our sins. However, Jesus died in our place, taking the punishment that we deserved. This act of love and sacrifice is the foundation of our salvation.
- Thankfulness for eternal life: The singer is also grateful for the hope of eternal life that we have through Jesus. They sing, “Thank you, Jesus, for giving me the hope of eternal life.” This hope is based on the belief that Jesus rose from the dead and conquered death. This victory over death means that we too can have eternal life if we believe in Jesus.
The singer’s gratitude for Jesus’ love and sacrifice is a powerful example of the transformative power of gratitude. Gratitude can change our lives and make us more loving and compassionate people. It can also help us to appreciate the good things in our lives and to focus on the positive instead of the negative.
3. Hope
The lyrics to “Jesus Is the Best Thing” offer a powerful message of hope to those who are struggling. The singer reminds us that Jesus is always there for us, and that He will never leave us or forsake us. This message of hope is especially powerful for those who are facing difficult times.
- Hope in the midst of suffering: The lyrics offer hope to those who are suffering. The singer reminds us that Jesus understands our pain and that He is with us in our suffering. This message of hope can help us to endure difficult times and to find peace and comfort in the midst of our pain.
- Hope for the future: The lyrics also offer hope for the future. The singer reminds us that Jesus has overcome the world, and that He has promised to be with us until the end of the age. This message of hope can help us to look forward to the future with confidence, knowing that Jesus is with us and that He will never leave us or forsake us.
The message of hope in “Jesus Is the Best Thing” is a powerful reminder that we are not alone in our struggles. Jesus is always with us, and He will never leave us or forsake us. This message of hope can help us to endure difficult times and to live with hope and confidence in the future.
4. Redemption
The message of redemption is central to the Christian faith. It is the belief that through Jesus Christ, we can be forgiven for our sins and restored to a right relationship with God. This message is essential for all who have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory, which is all of us.
The lyrics to “Jesus Is the Best Thing” remind us that Jesus came to save us from our sins. He died on the cross to pay the price for our sins, and He rose from the dead to conquer sin and death. Through His sacrifice, we can be forgiven and made new.
The message of redemption is a powerful one. It is a message of hope and forgiveness. It is a message that can change our lives and give us a new beginning.
Real-life examples
There are many real-life examples of people who have been redeemed by Jesus Christ. One example is the story of the Apostle Paul. Paul was a persecutor of Christians before he had a dramatic encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. After his conversion, Paul became one of the most influential missionaries in the early church.
Another example is the story of John Newton. Newton was a slave trader before he had a conversion experience. After his conversion, Newton became a minister and wrote the hymn “Amazing Grace.”
These are just two examples of the many people who have been redeemed by Jesus Christ. The message of redemption is a powerful one, and it is a message that can change our lives.
Practical significance
The message of redemption has practical significance for our lives. It means that we can be forgiven for our sins and restored to a right relationship with God. It also means that we can have a new beginning in life.
If you have never accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, I encourage you to do so today. He is the best thing that ever happened to me, and He can be the best thing that ever happened to you.
FAQs about “James Cleveland Jesus Is the Best Thing” Lyrics
The lyrics to “Jesus Is the Best Thing” by James Cleveland are a powerful expression of faith, gratitude, hope, and redemption. The song is a classic of gospel music, and it has been covered by numerous artists over the years. Here are some frequently asked questions about the lyrics to this song:
Question 1: What is the main message of the song “Jesus Is the Best Thing”?
Answer: The main message of the song is that Jesus Christ is the best thing that has ever happened to the singer. The lyrics express the singer’s deep love for Jesus, gratitude for His love and sacrifice, hope in His promises, and faith in His power to redeem.
Question 2: What are some of the most powerful lyrics in the song?
Answer: Some of the most powerful lyrics in the song include: “Jesus is the best thing that ever happened to me,” “I love Him more than words can say,” “Thank You, Jesus, for dying on the cross for me,” and “He’s made me whole again.”
Question 3: How can the lyrics to this song help me in my own life?
Answer: The lyrics to this song can help you in your own life by reminding you of God’s love, grace, and mercy. They can also help you to focus on the positive aspects of your life and to have hope for the future.
Question 4: Who wrote the lyrics to “Jesus Is the Best Thing”?
Answer: The lyrics to “Jesus Is the Best Thing” were written by James Cleveland.
Question 5: When was the song “Jesus Is the Best Thing” written?
Answer: The song “Jesus Is the Best Thing” was written in 1962.
Question 6: Who first recorded the song “Jesus Is the Best Thing”?
Answer: The song “Jesus Is the Best Thing” was first recorded by James Cleveland in 1962.
The lyrics to “Jesus Is the Best Thing” are a powerful reminder of God’s love and grace. They can help us to focus on the positive aspects of our lives and to have hope for the future.
If you are interested in learning more about the song “Jesus Is the Best Thing,” you can find additional information online or in books about gospel music.
Tips on Using “James Cleveland Jesus Is the Best Thing” Lyrics
The lyrics to “Jesus Is the Best Thing” by James Cleveland are a powerful expression of faith, gratitude, hope, and redemption. These lyrics can be used in a variety of ways to inspire and encourage others.
Tip 1: Use the lyrics as a source of meditation.
The lyrics to “Jesus Is the Best Thing” are full of rich imagery and deep truths. Take some time to meditate on the lyrics and allow them to speak to your heart.
Tip 2: Use the lyrics as a prayer.
The lyrics to “Jesus Is the Best Thing” can be used as a powerful prayer. Pray the lyrics to God and ask Him to help you to experience His love, grace, and mercy in your own life.
Tip 3: Use the lyrics as a song of praise.
The lyrics to “Jesus Is the Best Thing” are a beautiful song of praise to God. Sing the lyrics to God and express your gratitude for His love and sacrifice.
Tip 4: Use the lyrics to encourage others.
The lyrics to “Jesus Is the Best Thing” can be used to encourage others who are struggling. Share the lyrics with others and let them know that God loves them and that He wants to help them.
Tip 5: Use the lyrics to memorize Scripture.
The lyrics to “Jesus Is the Best Thing” are based on several passages of Scripture. Use the lyrics to help you memorize these Scriptures and to grow in your knowledge of God’s Word.
The lyrics to “Jesus Is the Best Thing” are a powerful resource that can be used to inspire and encourage others. Use these tips to incorporate the lyrics into your own life and to share them with others.
Summary of key takeaways or benefits:
- The lyrics to “Jesus Is the Best Thing” can be used as a source of meditation, prayer, praise, encouragement, and Scripture memorization.
- The lyrics are a powerful expression of faith, gratitude, hope, and redemption.
- The lyrics can be used to inspire and encourage others who are struggling.
Transition to the article’s conclusion:
The lyrics to “Jesus Is the Best Thing” are a powerful reminder of God’s love and grace. They can help us to focus on the positive aspects of our lives and to have hope for the future.
Conclusion
The lyrics to “Jesus Is the Best Thing” by James Cleveland are a powerful expression of faith, gratitude, hope, and redemption. They remind us of God’s great love for us and His desire to save us from our sins.
These lyrics have been a source of inspiration and encouragement to millions of people around the world. They have helped people to overcome difficult times, to find hope in the midst of despair, and to experience the joy of salvation.
The message of “Jesus Is the Best Thing” is a timeless one. It is a message that needs to be heard by every generation. May these lyrics continue to inspire and encourage people for many years to come.
