My God, I Love Thee, Not Because

Verse 1

My God, I love Thee, not because I hope for heav'n thereby, nor yet for fear that, loving not, I might forever die. But for that Thou didst all mankind upon the cross embrace; for us didst bear the nails and spear, and manifold disgrace;

Verse 2

And griefs and torments numberless, and sweat of agony, e'en death itself, and all for man, who was Thine enemy. Then why, most loving Jesus Christ, should I not love Thee well? Not for the sake of winning heav'n, nor any fear of hell;

Verse 3

Not with the hope of gaining aught, nor seeking a reward, but as Thyself hast loved me, O ever-loving Lord! 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!