“There is a name I love to hear,
I love to sing its worth;
It sounds like music in mine ear,
The sweetest name on earth.
Oh, how I love Jesus,
Oh, how I love Jesus,
Oh, how I love Jesus,
Because He first loved me!
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.
It tells me what my Father hath In store for every day, And though I tread a darksome path, Yields sunshine all the way.
It tells of One whose loving heart Can feel my deepest woe, Who in each sorrow bears a part That none can bear below.”
Frederick Whitfield, the author of the beloved hymn “O How I Love Jesus,” was a prolific writer known for his thirty published books of poetry. Born in a small English town in 1829, Whitfield received a solid education from Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, and later became an ordained minister. Despite his extensive literary contributions, Whitfield is best remembered for the uplifting melody of “O How I Love Jesus.”
The chorus of “O How I Love Jesus” originates from an old American song with uncertain origins. However, Whitfield seamlessly integrated this familiar chorus with his own composition, “There is a Name I Love to Hear,” creating the complete hymn that is cherished today. Despite being two distinct songs melded together, they blend harmoniously, as if destined to become one.
Part of the enduring appeal of “O How I Love Jesus” lies in its simplicity. Its straightforward lyrics resonate with believers, reminding them of the profound truth of Jesus Christ’s love demonstrated through His sacrifice on the cross. This foundational aspect of faith, often overlooked, is crucial in understanding the depth of God’s love for humanity.
The hymn’s message reflects the biblical principle expressed in 1 John 4:19: “We love because He first loved us.” Without a doubt, all expressions of love stem from Jesus Christ’s unconditional love for humanity. His love empowers believers to love others, even their enemies, and provides strength to endure trials.
“O How I Love Jesus” underscores the transformative power of God’s love. Despite never having seen God, believers love Him because they have experienced His love through salvation and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Singing such hymns refocuses believers on the goodness and truth of God’s love, rejuvenating their spirits and reinforcing their faith. Serving as an ode to the profound love of Jesus Christ, which sustains and transforms believers, this hymn inspires us to love others and draw strength from His endless grace.
Thank you so kindly, Susan Clark, for sending me another book of hymns with their histories that I can use to help me write this column each week! I used it for this one this week, and it was so informative and helpful to have.
Do you have a hymn you would like to know more about? You know what to do – send me a request, and I will see what I can do! Feel free to send your requests in by email at savannah.pearce@bibbcommunitymedia.com or by giving the Press office a call. I would love to hear from you!
