This poem always makes me cry. Mostly because I really wish more churches fostered this type of outlook, rather than cultivate an atmosphere of fear.
My Eternal King – Anonymous
Translated from 17th century Latin
My God, I love Thee,
Not because I hope for heaven thereby,
nor yet because who love Thee not
Must die eternally.Thou, o my Jesus, Thou did’st me upon the cross embrace
For me didst bear the nails, the spear and manifold disgrace.Why, then, why, o blessed Jesus Christ
Should I not love Thee well?
Not for the hope of winning heaven
Or of escaping hell.
Not with the hope of gaining aught
Nor seeking a reward
But as Thyself has loved me,
O everloving Lord.E’en so I love Thee, and will love,
And in Thy praise will sing.
Solely because Thou art by God
And my eternal King.
