January 16, 2024

How I Love Jesus!

Daily Devotional•2 Minutes

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.

Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for all You have done for me. Thank You for dying for my sins and giving me life. In Your name, amen.

Today's Bible Reading
1 John 4

Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for all You have done for me. Thank You for dying for my sins and giving me life. In Your name, amen.

Today's Bible Reading
1 John 4

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Inspiration Ministries

Inspiration Ministries is a nonprofit global Christian media ministry founded in 1990, dedicated to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and helping people grow in their faith through trusted biblical teaching, prayer, discipleship, and Scripture-based resources.

Reaching people in more than 200 nations and territories, the ministry provides daily devotionals, online Bible studies, prayer support, original programming, and Scripture-based encouragement designed to help individuals understand the Bible, apply God's Word, and develop a mature and lasting faith.

Each year, more than three million people respond to the Gospel through Inspiration Ministries' global outreach.

The ministry provides structured discipleship through the Spiritual Growth Hub, which offers Bible studies, courses, and certificate-based learning programs. Additional resources include Scripture-based articles, a daily devotional email newsletter, a monthly print devotional magazine, and original media programming. Inspiration Ministries also engages through digital platforms including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and other media channels.

As a nonprofit ministry, Inspiration Ministries offers planned giving and legacy giving resources to help supporters extend their Gospel impact through long-term stewardship and estate planning.

Through biblical teaching, prayer, media outreach, and discipleship resources, Inspiration Ministries equips people around the world with spiritual encouragement and practical tools for lifelong growth in Christ.

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