1 My God, I love Thee; not because
I hope for heaven thereby,
Nor yet because who love Thee not
Must die eternally.

2 Thou, O my Jesus, Thou didst me
Upon the cross embrace;
For me didst bear the nails and spear,
And manifold disgrace;

3 Yea, griefs and torments numberless,
And sweat of agony,
E'en death itself didst bear for one
Who was Thine enemy.

4 Then why, O blessèd Jesus Christ,
Should I not love thee well?
Not for the sake of winning heaven,
Nor of escaping hell.

5 Not with the hope of gaining aught,
Not seeking a reward;
But as Thyself hast lovèd me,
O everlasting Lord!

6 E'en so I love Thee, and will love,
And in Thy praise will sing;
Solely because Thou art my God
And my Eternal King.

Amen.