Hymn Study: Jesus Loves Even Me

Philip P. Bliss, author of “Jesus Loves Even Me,” was born on July 9, 1838, in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania. He grew up in extreme poverty on a farm in a lumber camp. In 1850 Bliss became a Christian and shortly thereafter joined a church in Tioga County, Pennsylvania.

Even as a boy, Bliss showed a special talent for music. After a brief training period, he moved to Chicago and began to conduct musical institutes. He was highly regarded by his fellow musicians.

In 1874 D. L. Moody and Major Daniel W. Whittle asked him to join them in full-time evangelistic work. From then until his death two years later, Bliss served with them as special singer and song leader.

The hymn “Jesus Loves Even Me” was written and composed by Bliss after attending a meeting where the song “O How I Love Jesus” was sung often. He thought, “Have I not been singing enough about my poor love for Jesus and shall I not rather sing of His great love for me?”

The hymn became one of the all-time favorite children’s hymns, gaining popularity in both Great Britain and the United States. It was first published in Bliss’s book The Charm for Sunday Schools in 1871.

Philip Bliss and his wife were tragically killed while traveling by train from Pennsylvania to Chicago on December 29, 1876. The train on which they were riding overturned and plunged into a ravine, killing one hundred passengers. Bliss survived the accident but went back into the flames in an attempt to rescue his wife. Mr. and Mrs. Bliss and the other accident victims were buried in a common grave in Ashtabula Cemetery, Ashtabula, Ohio.

The night before the railroad accident, Bliss sang in a special meeting. He said to the audience, “I may not pass this way again.” He then sang “I’m Going Home Tomorrow.” The next day he made his final journey to his eternal home.

Hymn Lyrics

I am so glad that our Father in Heav’n
Tells of His love in the Book He has giv’n;
Wonderful things in the Bible I see,
This is the dearest, that Jesus loves me.

Refrain

I am so glad that Jesus loves me,
Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me.
I am so glad that Jesus loves me,
Jesus loves even me.

Though I forget Him, and wander away,
Still He doth love me wherever I stray;
Back to His dear loving arms I do flee,
When I remember that Jesus loves me.

Refrain

Oh, if there’s only one song I can sing,
When in His beauty I see the great King,
This shall my song through eternity be,
Oh, what a wonder that Jesus loves me!

Refrain

Jesus loves me, and I know I love Him;
Love brought Him down my poor soul to redeem;
Yes, it was love made Him die on the tree;
Oh, I am certain that Jesus loves me!

Refrain

If one should ask of me, how can I tell?
Glory to Jesus, I know very well!
God’s Holy Spirit with mine doth agree,
Constantly witnessing Jesus loves me.

Refrain

In this assurance I find sweetest rest,
Trusting in Jesus, I know I am blessed;
Satan, dismayed, from my soul now doth flee,
When I just tell him that Jesus loves me.

Refrain

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4 Comments

  1. Lindsey Whitney says:

    Just found your site. We’re doing a bit of homeschool (preschool) with our oldest and I love this hymn study concept!

  2. Stephanie beavers says:

    How thankful I am to have found this hymn study. I have done almost all of these wonderful hymns with my kids in our homeschool. The brief summaries are just right in length for an overview and the copy worrk, vocabulary words and verses are perfect to add to the kids’ independent work throughout the week. We love it. Each time we study, listen to and sing (over and over) another one, they love it more and more. Any chance more will be added?

    1. Judy Hoch says:

      Yes, there will definitely be more! I’m shooting for the beginning of March, but that’s subject to change. 😉 I’m also planning to add a few more activities for younger learners, as well.

      I’m so very glad that you are enjoying them–your positive feedback is such an encouragement.

  3. Bill Trousdale says:

    Pennsylvania offers a rich musical history of P.P. Bliss as well as Daniel Brink Towner and James McGranahan all from the vicinity of Rome, Pa. Bliss married a young lady from Rome, Lucy. She also passed away in the Ashtabula train tragedy. The Gospel Song writers Museum is open by appointment and during the summer. Yearly a community Hymn sing is held in July to Celebrate Mr Bliss’s Birthday. The Pennsylvania Museum of Music and Broadcast History seeks accurate information on Pennsylvania authors,
    composers and performers.