How I Love Jesus!

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

Frederick Whitfield spent many years as a pastor but is best remembered for a poem he wrote while still a student at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. The title summarized what he felt was important: “Oh, How I Love Jesus!”

In this poem, he wrote about a name he loved to hear and sing about. This name “sounds like music in my ear, the sweetest name on earth.” This was the name of Jesus.

His name reminded Whitfield how much Jesus loved him and died to set him free. Thinking of Jesus reminded him of the smile of a Father “beaming upon His child” and all that God has in store for us.

Jesus feels our “deepest woe” and takes away our burdens. He urges us to rejoice even when our hearts might be “trembling.” He dries our tears and tells us “to trust and never fear.”

Whitfield’s poem became a hymn sung throughout the world. Some people so identified with his message that they personalized this hymn with their own testimonies. One addition became the hymn’s refrain, simply repeating the phrase, “Oh, how I love Jesus.” Why? “Because He first loved me!”

Stop and consider how much Jesus loves you! He died for your sins. He rose again, so you could have eternal life. Don’t let burdens rob you of His peace and love. Rejoice in the name of Jesus! Celebrate His love for you.

Reflection Question: Draft a poem expressing your love for Jesus and what He’s done for you.