O HOW I LOVE JESUS

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 1855

“O How I Love Jesus” — Brief History


Origins


The words of “O How I Love Jesus” come from a longer 19th-century hymn titled “There Is a Name I Love to Hear.”


Lyrics: Written by Frederick Whitfield (1829–1904), an English Anglican clergyman and hymn writer.


Date: First published in 1855.


The Chorus


The famous refrain—

“O how I love Jesus,

O how I love Jesus,

O how I love Jesus,

Because He first loved me”

—is what made the hymn especially memorable.


Over time, churches often sang just the chorus, which is why many people know it as a short devotional song rather than a full hymn.


Music


The tune most commonly used today is called “OH HOW I LOVE JESUS.”


It is usually credited to American gospel and hymn traditions, and it became especially popular in revival meetings, Sunday schools, and children’s services.


Why It Became So Popular


Simple, heartfelt language


Easy to memorize


Strong emotional focus on Christ’s love preceding our own (1 John 4:19)


Suitable for congregational singing across denominations


Legacy


The song remains a staple in Christian worship worldwide, especially in evangelical, Methodist, Baptist, and children’s ministries.


It is often one of the first hymns taught to children, making it deeply tied to personal faith memories.

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