In the musical landscape of the 1960s, few groups developed a sound quite as recognizable as The Association. Their music carried a certain brightness, a gentle sophistication, and a remarkable blending of voices that made their recordings immediately recognizable. They were part of a generation that gave American popular music some of its most memorable melodies.
The Association was formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1965. The original group consisted of six musicians: Jules Alexander, Terry Kirkman, Jim Yester, Russ Giguere, Brian Cole, and Ted Bluechel. They came together out of the California folk music scene, bringing with them different musical abilities and influences. Their sound combined folk-rock, traditional pop, sunshine pop, and elements of psychedelic music. What distinguished them was their vocal harmony. Rather than depending upon one outstanding singer, they blended several voices into a rich musical arrangement.
Their first major success came with “Along Comes Mary” in 1966, which reached number seven on the Billboard charts. That same year, they released “Cherish,” a beautiful romantic ballad written by Terry Kirkman. It became their first number-one hit. The following year brought another major success with “Windy,” written by Ruthann Friedman, which also reached number one. The group continued its remarkable run with “Everything That Touches You,” “Time for Livin’,” and other recordings that found enthusiastic audiences.
But perhaps their most enduring recording was “Never My Love,” released in 1967. Written by brothers Don and Dick Addrisi, the song became one of the defining love ballads of the decade. It reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Cash Box chart. Its gentle melody and reassuring message made it a favorite among listeners. There was something especially appealing about its central promise: the assurance that love would not simply disappear when circumstances changed.
That thought brings us to a love far greater than anything a songwriter can capture in three minutes.
THE LOVE OF JESUS NEVER FAILS
Human love is one of life’s greatest blessings, but even the finest human relationships have limitations. People grow older. Circumstances change. Friends sometimes disappoint us, and even those who sincerely love us cannot always remain beside us. Our affection may be genuine, but our strength is not unlimited.
The love of Jesus stands upon an entirely different foundation.
The apostle Paul asked a question in Romans 8:35 that reaches into the deepest concerns of the human heart: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” He then considered tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, and the sword. His conclusion was that none of these things could separate God’s people from the love found in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Consider the remarkable character of that love. Jesus loved us before we ever thought about loving Him. He knew our failures, understood our weaknesses, and saw the very sins that would eventually require His sacrifice. Yet He came anyway. Romans 5:8 reminds us that God demonstrates His own love toward us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
His love is not dependent upon our popularity, possessions, achievements, or standing among other people. It is demonstrated at Calvary, where the Son of God willingly gave Himself for humanity. The cross is heaven’s answer to every question about whether God truly cares.
There will be days when we feel forgotten. There will be moments when our prayers seem unanswered and our circumstances appear overwhelming. We may even wonder whether we have wandered too far from the Lord. But the love of Jesus remains our great assurance. His invitation continues, His mercy remains available, and His promises give us reason to keep walking.
“Never my love” is a beautiful sentiment in a popular song. But the love of Jesus is more than a sentiment. It is a demonstrated reality, established through His death and resurrection. We can build our lives upon it.
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Heavenly Father, thank You for the wonderful love of Jesus Christ. When we feel alone, remind us that we are never beyond His reach. When we stumble, help us find our way back to You. May we never take for granted the sacrifice of Calvary or the assurance of Your unfailing love. Help us to love others with the same patience, kindness, and compassion that Christ has shown toward us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
BDD
