Probably for most of us, one of the earliest songs we ever learned was one written by Anna Bartlett Warner in about 1860 called “Jesus Loves Me.” Here are the words that we learned and have grown to love so much:

Jesus loves me,

This I know;

For the Bible tells me so,

Little ones to Him belong;

They are weak, but He is strong.

Yes, Jesus loves me;

Yes, Jesus loves me.

Yes, Jesus love me;

The Bible tells me so.

This little, short song says so much to us and is so meaningful to me personally. There are six key points to this song that should apply to each of us in whatever station in life we find ourselves; whatever line of work we have chosen; whatever has happened in the past; whatever aspirations we have for the future; or, whatever trials we face today. Let’s take a look at these six items and see how they might apply to us this very moment:

1. Jesus loves me – Perhaps, the greatest thing we could ever learn in this life is that Jesus loves us. When no one else seems to care, Jesus knows our name, knows what we have done and what we think, and He still loves us. God’s Word, the Bible, says this about Jesus’ love for me:

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love…This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”                                                                                        John 15:9 – 17

We can see from this verse that there is no greater love than what Jesus has shown for us… that He loves us so much that He gave His life for us. And, He gave His life for us, not because we were so good or so lovely. He died for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). While we were at our worst, the love of Jesus for us was so great that He voluntarily gave up His perfect life for us. So, yes, Jesus loves us with a love that exceeds all other love.

2. The Bible tells me so – The Bible is God’s Word. He inspired men to write it in their own words, yet it perfectly and without error reflects God’s own heart. As it says in Hebrews 4:12, “…It is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

The Bible has the authority of God backing it up. His Word says:

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”   (2 Timothy 3:16 – 17)

So, when the Bible says something is true, you can believe it and count on it. This belief is called faith… the confidence in things not seen or things you cannot personally confirm. This confidence or trust in God’s Word is essential to fully understand the love of Jesus discussed in item 1 above.

3. Little ones to Him belong – Jesus repeatedly demonstrated a tender heart for children. When his disciples asked that the children be sent away, Jesus said (Mark 10:14), “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Children are precious to Jesus and it is clear that He holds them close.

4. We are weak – Paul summed up his own weakness when he said in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” In ourselves, we have no strength or power, but with and through Christ, “… we can do all things.”

5. He is strong – The Bible calls God our rock, our fortress, a stronghold, a refuge (2 Samuel 22.2-3), and a strong tower (Proverbs 18:10). He is our strength and our redeemer. He is the Creator. We can be assured that Jesus is strong and has the power to hold us and protect us.

6. This I know – The most important item in this song for us, though, is that little phrase, “This I know.” We can know that Jesus loves us with our head, but unless we know it in our heart and give ourselves to Him, these words are only a song for a child. Unless we make ourselves like that child, recognize our weakness (sin), recognize that only Jesus can save us, and give ourselves to Him, all is lost.

 

Today is a good day to think about this song that most of us learned years ago… perhaps, the first song we ever learned. The question is this… Do you truly know, with your heart, that Jesus loves you? And, have you accepted that love as your own? Have you admitted your weakness and His strength? Have you really taken it in that Jesus died for you… even when you were still at your worst… a sinner?

I made the decision to give my heart to Jesus when I was 21 years old.  I was newly married and attended church with my new wife.  There, I came to realize that I could not be totally satisfied with my life without Jesus.  I realized that I was a sinner and needed His forgiveness.  I asked Him to forgive me and accepted Him as my Lord and Savior.  My life completely changed and I’ve never regretted it.  I know that I have eternal life when I die and my life today is more complete and satisfying than I ever believed possible.

Life can never be all you want without accepting the love of Christ in your life. You might search for love or acceptance or satisfaction in people, things, money, power, or many other things. But, you’ll never fully achieve fulfillment without Jesus. Why not put your life in His powerful, loving hands today?

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Why not accept that everlasting life that God offers right now? Jesus loves me…. This I know!