love

devotion

consecration

My Jesus, I Love Thee

William R. Featherstone 1864 Tune: Gordon (11.11.11.11)

A teenager's love-confession to the Saviour who first loved him.

Quick Answer

A teenager's love-confession to the Saviour who first loved him. Written by William R. Featherstone (1864), set to the tune "Gordon" by Adoniram J. Gordon.

Suggested pairing scripture

1 John 4:19

"We love him, because he first loved us."

Read 1 John 4:19 (KJV) aloud as a call to worship before the congregation sings "My Jesus, I Love Thee." It anchors the hymn in the Word from which it flows.

Read in context

When to sing this

Sing at the close of a service as a hymn of response, during altar calls, baptisms, and seasons of personal rededication.

Lyrics

Stanza 1

My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine; For Thee all the follies of sin I resign; My gracious Redeemer, my Saviour art Thou; If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.

Stanza 2

I love Thee because Thou hast first loved me, And purchased my pardon on Calvary's tree; I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow; If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.

Stanza 3

I'll love Thee in life, I will love Thee in death, And praise Thee as long as Thou lendest me breath; And say when the death dew lies cold on my brow, If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.

Stanza 4

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, If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.

History & Background

William Ralph Featherstone of Montreal wrote the words around 1864 at age 16, shortly after his conversion. He sent them to an aunt in Los Angeles, who had them published. Boston pastor A. J. Gordon (founder of Gordon College) discovered the verses and composed the present tune in 1876.

Scripture Behind the Hymn

1 John 4:19

"We love him, because he first loved us."

Read in context

John 21:17

"He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? ...Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee."

Read in context

Frequently Asked Questions

How old was the author when he wrote this?

William Featherstone was about 16, having recently come to faith in Christ. He never published anything else of note — but this single hymn has been sung worldwide for more than 150 years.

Related Hymns

Other hymns that share themes or scripture with My Jesus, I Love Thee.

Take My Life and Let It Be

Frances R. Havergal · 1874

Be Thou My Vision

Ancient Irish (attributed to Dallán Forgaill) · 8th century

I Surrender All

Judson W. Van DeVenter · 1896

Related Reading

Continue your study with related content from across our library:

My Jesus, I Love Thee

William R. Featherstone • 1864

Be Thou My Vision

Ancient Irish (attributed to Dallán Forgaill) • 8th century

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Where to go next

Enjoyed "My Jesus, I Love Thee"? These pages pair well with it for worship planning.

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