My Jesus, I love thee, I know thou art mine;
For thee all the follies of sin I resign.
My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art thou;
If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.
I love thee because thou hast first loved me,
And purchased my pardon on Calvary’s tree;
I love thee for wearing the thorns on thy brow;
If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.
In mansions of glory and endless delight;
I’ll ever adore thee in heaven so bright;
I’ll sing with the glittering crown on my brow;
If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.
"My Jesus, I Love Thee" is a beloved hymn that has touched the hearts of many believers around the world. Written by William Ralph Featherston in the 19th century and set to music by Adoniram Judson Gordon, this timeless song has been beautifully performed by various artists, including contemporary Christian singer Don Moen.
The song begins with a simple declaration of love for Jesus. "My Jesus, I love thee, I know thou art mine," the lyrics express a deep personal connection and devotion to Christ. It speaks of a surrendering of one's life and the decision to turn away from the follies of sin. It is a recognition that Jesus is the gracious Redeemer and Savior of our lives.
One of the most powerful aspects of this song is its acknowledgement of the sacrificial love of Jesus. The lyrics say, "I love thee because thou hast first loved me, And purchased my pardon on Calvary's tree." It reminds us of the incredible price Jesus paid for our sins on the cross, where He willingly laid down His life to redeem us and secure our salvation. This verse is a beautiful reflection of the biblical truth found in 1 John 4:19, which says, "We love because he first loved us."
As the song continues, it expresses a desire to live a life of devotion and adoration to Jesus. The lyrics say, "In mansions of glory and endless delight; I'll ever adore thee in heaven so bright." It paints a picture of an eternity spent worshiping and praising Jesus in the presence of God. This longing to worship and adore Jesus echoes the sentiment of Psalm 86:12, which says, "I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever."
The hymn "My Jesus, I Love Thee" has resonated with believers for generations because it captures the essence of our relationship with Christ. It speaks of a personal love and devotion to Jesus, rooted in His sacrificial love for us. It reminds us of the depth of His love and the incredible price He paid for our redemption.
Don Moen's rendition of this hymn brings a contemporary touch while still maintaining the beauty and reverence of the original composition. His soothing and heartfelt vocals, combined with the simple yet profound lyrics, create a powerful worship experience.
As we listen to "My Jesus, I Love Thee," let us be reminded of the love that Jesus has for us and the love that we have for Him. May it inspire us to live lives of devotion and adoration, continually surrendering ourselves to the one who gave it all for us. Let this song be a declaration of our love for Jesus, not just in words, but in our daily lives and actions.
In conclusion, "My Jesus, I Love Thee" is a timeless hymn that speaks to the hearts of believers. Its lyrics express a deep personal love and devotion to Jesus, rooted in His sacrificial love for us. It reminds us of the incredible price He paid for our salvation and calls us to live lives of worship and adoration. Through Don Moen's rendition, this hymn continues to inspire and touch the hearts of believers, inviting us to declare our love for Jesus in song and in our lives.
