SUNDAY CHOICE-by Charles Schokman
BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED ME.
The familiar hymn “Oh, How I Love Jesus” expresses a devotion that is simple, heartfelt, and biblical. While the song itself is brief, the truth it proclaims reaches to the very heart of Christianity. Loving Jesus is not merely an emotion or a sentiment, it is the defining mark of a faithful disciple. Jesus Himself said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14: 15). Love for Christ is proven not by words we sing, but by lives that submit to His will.
Our love for Jesus does not begin with us; it begins with what He has done. John wrote, “We love Him because He first loved us” (1 John 4 :19). Jesus demonstrated that love by leaving heaven, living among men, and willingly giving Himself on the cross so that sinners could be reconciled to God (John 1:14; Romans 5:8). When we sing that we love Jesus “because He first loved me,” we are confessing gratitude for a sacrifice we could never repay.
The New Testament repeatedly connects love for Jesus with priority and loyalty. Jesus declared, “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10: 37). This statement reminds us that loving Christ means placing Him above all else, traditions, schedules, relationships. True love for Jesus will shape how we speak, how we worship, how we treat others, and how we respond to His word (Colossians 3: 17).
Loving Jesus also means loving His church. Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her (Ephesians 5: 25). Those who love the Head cannot disregard His body. Faithful assembling, sincere worship, and encouragement of fellow saints are natural expressions of love for Christ (Hebrews10:24 -25; Acts 2:42). Our love is not isolated or private, it is lived out among God’s people.
Finally, loving Jesus carries with it the promise of eternal hope. Paul wrote, “Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity” (Ephesians 6:24). This love must be genuine, active, and continuing. As we sing “Oh, how I love Jesus,” may our hearts examine whether our daily walk matches our song. When love for Christ governs our lives, our worship becomes meaningful, our obedience joyful, and our hope secure.
Courtesy of Todd Parsley—Minister Flatwoods church of Christ.
Pray these hymns will help you to love God and keep His commandments because He first loved you.
You are welcome to pass this on.
