Worship Arts Notes

We love because He first loved us.  1 John 4:19 

This simply stated, lilting musical testimony has been one of the Sunday School favorites since it was first published in leaflet form in 1855.  It has since been translated into various languages and has been included in numerous evangelical hymnals.   

The words express so well the response of believers of any age as we reflect on all that Christ has done and continues to do for us daily.  Indirectly, the hymn also exalts the written Word, for it is only through the study of the revealed written Word that we gain a true knowledge of the Living Word.  

The text to the verse of O How I Love Jesus, is believed to come from Philippians 2:5-11.  “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.”  {v.10-11} 

The entire hymn revolves around the name of Jesus. What a powerful name! The name of Jesus promises us great things from the Father. It promises to be with us in every circumstance. How we should love Jesus for all the great things He has done and is doing for us. 

The text originally included eight stanzas. Several interesting verses not found in present hymnals include these words: 

      “It tells me of a Father’s smile that beams upon His child. 
It cheers me through this little while, through deserts waste and wild. 

      It bids my trembling soul rejoice, and dries each rising tear. 
It tells me in a still small voice, to trust and not to fear.” 

The author, Frederick Whitfield, was an Anglican church clergyman.  He is credited with more than 30 books of religious verse.  The anonymous tune is a typical 19th century American folk song used in the campground meetings of that time.   

Even a century after they were written, these ageless words are still appropriate for expressing our love and devotion for Christ.  

From “Amazing Grace, 365 Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions” by Kenneth Osbeck