January 13, 2024

My Jesus, I Love Thee

Daily Devotional2 Minutes

We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.—1 John 3:16 NLT

Even while a teenager, William Featherston realized how important Jesus was for his life. He was just 16 when he wrote the words to the hymn “My Jesus, I Love Thee.”

Revealing his priorities, he described his personal relationship with Jesus. “I know Thou art mine; for Thee all the follies of sin I resign.” Jesus is a gracious Redeemer and Savior. Reflecting on his relationship, he wrote, “If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.”

He realized Jesus loved him first and had “purchased [his] pardon on Calvary’s tree.” He loved Jesus for suffering for him and “for wearing the thorns on [His] brow.”

Featherston did not know he would die about ten years later when he was only 27. But he knew his love of Jesus was not limited to this life: “I’ll love Thee in life; I will love Thee in death.” He would praise Him as long as he had breath. Even in death, he could declare, “If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.”

He could picture himself spending eternity with Jesus: “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.”

Today, think about what Jesus means to you. He died so that you might have eternal life. And He loves you with everlasting love. Right now, let your heart be stirred with love for your Savior.

Reflection Question: Write an expression of your love for Jesus.

Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for loving me and dying for my sins. Help me draw closer to You. In Your name I pray, amen.

Today's Bible Reading
1 John 3

Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for loving me and dying for my sins. Help me draw closer to You. In Your name I pray, amen.

Today's Bible Reading
1 John 3