Hymn History: “Just As I Am”

2 min

The light breeze wafted over the seaside town of Brighton, England. Flowers bloomed in the early May sunlight. However, inside one home the scene was not so calm and peaceful!

The guest at the family dinner table, an evangelist from Switzerland, was asking some startling questions: “Are you a Christian? Have you experienced Christ?” His kind yet direct questions particularly offended one of his hosts. The thirty-three-year-old daughter, Charlotte Elliott, quickly replied that her salvation was not his concern!

Miss Elliott had enjoyed a happy childhood. Her artistic talent had been developed extensively during her young adult years. However, as she had neared her thirtieth birthday, her health began to fail. Now, three years later, she was an invalid. Her poor health depressed and embittered her. How dare this guest, Dr. Malan, confront her about her spiritual health!

“You are tired of yourself, aren’t you?” Dr. Malan persisted gently. “You are holding to your hate and anger because you have nothing else in the world to cling to. Consequently, you have become sour, bitter, and resentful.” 

The family quietly slipped from the room, leaving the two to continue their discussion. God’s Spirit was moving in Miss Elliott’s resistant heart. Finally, she asked, “If I wanted to become a Christian and to share the peace and joy you possess, what would I do?” 

Dr. Malan smiled. “You would give yourself to God just as you are now, with your fightings and fears, hates and loves, pride and shame.” 

Miss Elliott responded: “I would come to God just as I am? Is that right?”

The Swiss minister nodded yes. His loving forbearance brought forth spiritual fruit! With no more argument, Miss Elliott humbly surrendered to Christ. Her life was transformed as she discovered Christ’s peace! Later, although still an invalid, she was inspired to write hymns. 

Her best-known hymn was written fourteen years after her salvation. Miss Elliott’s brother, a pastor, was holding a bazaar to raise funds to build a school for poor clergymen’s children. Unable to help physically, Miss Elliott instead participated by writing a poem with five short verses to sell for the project. Her poem, later titled “Just As I Am,” raised more money for the school than the entire bazaar had raised! The resulting leaflet was immediately well-received, selling quickly across England. Some have called it “the most famous invitational hymn in history.” 

Because of Dr. Malan’s tolerance of Miss Elliott’s brashness, he was able to help her see her true spiritual condition and need for Christ’s healing. May we also accept others as they are and point them toward the One Who alone can transform their lives.

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