‘I Love to Tell the Story’

Some songs bring back pleasant childhood memories. We learn other songs as adults and feel a sense of peace when we sing the words. In the past and the present, we have many stories to tell. From life lessons to our faith journey, telling His story can deepen our relationship with God. “I Love to Tell the Story” is a song about faith, hope, and love for God.

The hymn “I Love to Tell the Story” was written in 1866 by A. Katherine Hankey. Born in Clapham, England, in 1834, Katherine was loved by her parents. She and her father belonged to a group led by William Wilberforce. The group worked for social reform and they opposed slavery. Katherine became a missionary and worked as a nurse in South Africa.

While she was enduring a serious illness, she became bedridden. She wrote the poem “Tell Me the Old, Old Story of Unseen Things Above,” The poem, which included 50 verses, was divided into two parts: “The Story Wanted” and “The Story Told.” An American composer put Katherine’s poem to music.

Katherine’s love for God was evident in the words of her poem. She wrote about loving to tell the story to those who need to know God. The birth, death, and resurrection of Christ, are declared in the words. The ending encourages us to tell everyone about Christ and His love and peace.

The author of the refrain in the song is listed as William G. Fischer. He composed many tunes for hymns. Fischer taught music and co-owned a piano business and music store.

Katherine Hankey reminds us that although we can’t see Jesus and His glory yet, we can share His love with others and help guide them to a relationship with God.

Are there songs that touch your heart and soul? Perhaps some hymns that have helped deepen your faith? Maybe the words of some hymns have led you to learn more about God.

Whether we sing out loud or read the hymnal, the lyrics of a song can have a meaningful impact on our lives. Have you written a song, poem, devotion, article, or story that shared your faith?

Some songs that were composed long ago have special meaning today. God gives each of us unique talents. Through the hymns of old and new, we can learn more about faith and God’s love for His creations.

“I love to tell the story
Of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and his glory,
Of Jesus and His love.
I love to tell the story
Because I know it’s true;
It satisfies my longing
As nothing else can do.”

(excerpts from “I Love to Tell the Story” by Katherine Hankey)

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:1 NIV).

Have you shared the love of Jesus today?

In His Name,

Melissa Henderson