Love First: The Story Behind Oh How I Love Jesus

A simple hymn can change the tone of a Monday, especially when its story holds more twists than we expect. We open with a warm welcome to a five-minute reset and then dive into the surprising path of Oh How I Love Jesus: verses penned by Frederick Whitfield in 1855 joined to a chorus that wandered across 19th-century America, attaching to hymns like Amazing Grace before finally finding its home. That union created a song so many of us know by heart, yet few know how it came to be.   We share five rarely-sung Whitfield stanzas that expand the hymn’s world: daily guidance from the Father, comfort for deep sorrow, a still small voice that dries tears, a fragrance along a thorny road, and a future song among the blood-bought throng. Each line adds texture to our faith, carrying us from morning anxieties to long-haul hope.   We reflect on what loving Jesus truly means: recognizing His identity as God and Creator, remembering His descent into suffering and the cross, and responding with awe, gratitude, and trust. The result is a devotion that steadies our steps, whether we’re facing deadlines or walking through shadowed paths. To seal the moment, we point you to a moving performance by Carrie Underwood, so the truth lodges not just in thought but in song.If this short journey lifts your morning, follow the show for weekday five-minute reflections, share it with a friend who loves classic hymns, and leave a rating so more listeners can find a hopeful start to their day.We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show