“JESUS LOVES ME, THIS I KNOW”

“JESUS LOVES ME, THIS I KNOW” “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love” (John 15:9 NKJV). One of the hymns I cherished when I was growing up as a small child in Sunbeam Band in a local Baptist church is “JESUS LOVES ME, THIS I KNOW”. It is one of the favourite hymns of many children. I still cherish the hymn now that I am a grown up man! Anna Bartlett Warner (1820-1915) composed the hymn. The lyrics of the hymn were initially part of a poem she wrote together with her older sister Susan Warner (1819–1885). Like many people in his time, William Batchelder Bradbury (1816–1868) fell in love with the poem, and as a musician, he added a tune to the poem turning it to a hymn. Bradbury added the refrain to the hymn. The poem turned hymn affirms the love of Jesus that is known as the Holy Bible tells the story. According to the hymn as affirmed by the Holy Bible, little children as weak as they are belong to Jesus Christ who is strong. In Mark 10:13-16, Jesus was greatly displeased with His disciples for restraining people from bringing children to Him. In His love for the children, He encouraged children to come to Him and demonstrated the love by taking them up in His arms, laying His hands on them and blessing them. Till today, Jesus Christ still loves children, and everyone that comes to Him. He walks with them as a Friend (see John 15:9, 13-15). Jesus Christ demonstrated His love by dying to open the gate of heaven for those He has washed away their sin (see 1 Corinthians 6:11; Titus 2:14; 3:5; 1 John 1:7). Because of the love of Jesus Christ demonstrated by His death, Anna Bartlett Warner concluded that she would henceforth live for Him. Yes, Jesus loves Me! He loves everyone who comes to Him, and He will by no means cast such a person out (John 6:37; 10:27-29). Apostle Paul also affirmed this love of Christ and said categorically that nothing shall separate us from this love (Romans 8:35-39). Yes, Jesus loves Me! It is so comforting to know that Jesus loves us. However, only those who have come to Him can experience the love. Does He love you? Do you know about this love? Are you experiencing it? If you come to Him and abide in Him, you also will know and experience the love of Jesus Christ. Jesus loves me, this I know! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Thank God for the love of Jesus Christ over your life, then pray for the grace to live for Him in appreciation of this love.