1 My God, I love Thee; not because
I hope for heaven thereby;
Nor because they, who love Thee not,
Must burn 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 And griefs and torments numberless,
And sweat of agony;
E'en death itself--and all for one
Who was Thine enemy.

4 Then why, O blessed 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 lovéd me,
O ever loving 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.