HYMN OF THEÂ MONTH:
Oh, How I Love Jesus
by Frederick Whitfield, 1827-1904
Our theme for 2025 is "We Believe" and we're exploring core biblical doctrines we can pass to the next generation using hymns as a teaching tool.
This month we're continuing our look at The Trinity and specifically at Jesus, the second person of the Godhead. Come join us anytime!
The Sweetest Name
Frederick Whitfield was born in Shropshire, England in 18 and came to know and love Jesus as a young child. He trusted in Christ for salvation early in life, and that love remained steadfast through every season.
As he grew, his love for Jesus compelled him to study at Trinity College in Ireland, become a minister, write books, write hymns and work with missionaries to share the gospel.Â
Whitfield’s love for Jesus was contagious —so much so that all four of his sons followed in his footsteps and became ministers.
Like us, Rev. Whitfield, sometimes struggled with loving Jesus perfectly. But when His love began to wane, Jesus drew him back to Himself time and time again with reminders of His love through the gift of salvation.
But why did he love Jesus so much?
Whitfield answered that question himself in the words of his most well-known hymn:
“Oh, how I love Jesus,
Because He first loved me.”
His life was a testimony to the truth of those words—and his hymn continues to remind us that without Jesus demonstrating His love for us on the cross, none of us would know the power of salvation and the deep love for Him that follows.
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Read & Relate
Oh, How I Love Jesus
By Frederick Whitfield, 1827-1904Â
There is a name I love to hear,
I love to sing its worth;
It sounds like music in my ear,
The sweetest name on earth.
Matt. 1:21; Matt. 6:9; Heb. 13:15; Phil. 2:10
Chorus:
Oh, how I love Jesus,
Oh, how I love Jesus,
Oh, how I love Jesus,
Because He first loved me!
1 John 4:19
It tells me of a Savior’s love,
Who died to set me free;
It tells me of His precious blood,
The sinner’s perfect plea.
Acts 4:12; 1 John 3:16; 1 Pet. 2:24; Eph. 1:7
It tells what my Father hath
In store for every day,
And though I tread a darksome path,
Yields sunshine all the way.
Rom. 8:28; Ps. 23:4; John 8:12; 2 Cor. 4:6
It tells of One whose loving heart
Can feel my deepest woe,
Who in each sorrow bears a part,
That none can bear below.
John 11:33-35; Isa. 53:4; Heb. 4:14-16; 1 Pet. 5:7
