“Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore
WE love Him, because He loved us
Long before we loved Him;
Loved us with a love eternal,
Love that never could grow dim.
Love that found its full expression
When He hung upon the tree;
When He cried to God in anguish,
“Why past Thou forsaken Me?”
Love that loved when man’s deep hatred
Did the worst that could be done;
When the hordes of hell surrounded
God’s eternal, only Son.
Love that loved us though we wandered
Far upon the downward track;
Love that ne’er could be contented
Till He found and brought us back.
Yes, He loved with love eternal,
Vast, by man unmeasured yet;
And the wondrous love He showed us
Did our love to Him beget.
We love Him, for He first loved us;
May our love still deeper grow;
May the Holy Spirit present
Teach us more of Christ’s to know.
J. C. J.