Friday, February 27 My Jesus, I Love Thee

Scripture:
“Simon son of John, do you love me?” … “Lord, you know that I love you.” John 21:15–17

Hymn Focus:
“My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine;
For Thee all the follies of sin I resign.”

Lent invites us into a deeper love—one that is honest, costly, and faithful. The hymn “My Jesus, I Love Thee” is a simple confession of devotion, not rooted in emotion alone, but in commitment. During Lent, these words become both prayer and promise.

To say “I love Thee” in this season is to examine what that love truly costs. Lent asks us to release “the follies of sin,” not out of fear or obligation, but out of love for Christ. Repentance becomes an act of affection—choosing Christ again and again over the habits and attachments that pull us away from Him.

The hymn draws our attention to the cross:
“I love Thee because Thou hast first loved me,
And purchased my pardon on Calvary’s tree.”
Here, love is rooted not in our effort, but in Christ’s sacrifice. Lent reminds us that our devotion is always a response to grace already given. We love because He first loved us.

As the hymn moves toward suffering and faithfulness—
“In mansions of glory and endless delight,
I’ll ever adore Thee in heaven so bright”—
we are reminded that love does not end at the cross. Lent holds together both sacrifice and hope. Loving Jesus means walking with Him through suffering while trusting in the promise of resurrection and eternal life.

This hymn also challenges us to consistency: to love Jesus not only in moments of worship, but in daily choices, quiet obedience, and patient endurance. Lent becomes a time to ask ourselves: How is my love for Christ shaping my life?

As you journey through Lent, let this hymn be your prayer. Speak its words slowly. Let love—not fear—guide your repentance. Let gratitude shape your devotion. And let Christ’s love draw you ever closer to Him.

Prayer

My Jesus, we love You, not because we are faithful, but because You are.
During this Lenten season, help us to surrender what draws us away from You
and to follow You with sincere hearts. Root our love in Your grace, and lead us through the cross
into the joy of new life. Amen.