I Love the Lord

Songbook Hymn Sermons

I Love the Lord

A Sermon based on the Hymn by L. O. Sanderson

Introduction:
“I Love the Lord” is a heartfelt hymn of gratitude and devotion. Rooted in the truths of Psalm 116, it proclaims the joy of salvation and the motivation behind faithful living. The more we reflect on the price Jesus paid and the grace He extended, the more our love for Him grows.

Stanza 1: “I love the Lord, for He died my soul to save…”
This stanza opens with the ultimate reason for love—Jesus gave His life to save ours. Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Our love is a response to His sacrifice. It moves us from guilt to grace and from fear to freedom.

Stanza 2: “I love the Lord, for He gave so full and free…”
God’s salvation is not partial or reluctant—it is complete and freely offered. Ephesians 2:8–9 reminds us that we are saved by grace through faith, not by our own works. This gift, undeserved and unearned, inspires our whole-hearted love and service. We love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).

Stanza 3: “I love the Lord, for His love so full and free…”
This repetition reinforces the central truth of the Christian life: love for the Lord is our driving force. His mercy, patience, and goodness never fail. As Psalm 116:1 declares, “I love the Lord, because He has heard my voice.” Our love is expressed in obedience, in praise, and in humble service.

Stanza 4: “I love the Lord, because He first loved me…”
Echoing 1 John 4:19, this stanza completes the thought: we do not initiate love—we respond to it. God’s love is the origin and the reason behind every righteous deed. He sought us, saved us, and sustains us. Our love, when true, will result in changed lives, softened hearts, and faithful endurance.

I Love the Lord Sermon Outline:

Stanza 1 – Christ Died to Save My Soul

• Romans 5:8 – Christ died while we were sinners

• John 15:13 – Greater love has no one than this

• Revelation 1:5 – To Him who loved us and washed us

Stanza 2 – The Gift of Salvation Is Free

• Ephesians 2:8–9 – Saved by grace through faith

• Titus 3:5 – Not by works of righteousness

• Romans 6:23 – The gift of God is eternal life

Stanza 3 – His Love Never Fails

• Psalm 116:1 – I love the Lord for He hears my cry

• Lamentations 3:22–23 – His mercies are new every morning

• Psalm 103:8 – The Lord is merciful and gracious

Stanza 4 – Our Love Is a Response

• 1 John 4:19 – We love because He first loved us

• 2 Corinthians 5:14 – The love of Christ compels us

• John 14:15 – If you love Me, keep My commandments

Call to Action:
Do you love the Lord? True love is not just a feeling—it’s action. It’s obedience (John 14:15), sacrifice (Romans 12:1), and devotion (Colossians 3:17). If you’ve not obeyed the gospel, now is the time. Believe in Jesus (John 8:24), repent (Luke 13:3), confess Him (Romans 10:9–10), and be baptized (Acts 2:38). Let your life say boldly, “I love the Lord.”

Scripture Reference List:
Romans 5:8 – Christ died for us
John 15:13 – No greater love than to lay down one’s life
Revelation 1:5 – Jesus loves and cleanses us
Ephesians 2:8–9 – Saved by grace
Titus 3:5 – Saved by His mercy
Romans 6:23 – Eternal life is God’s gift
Psalm 116:1 – Love because He hears us
Lamentations 3:22–23 – Unfailing mercies
Psalm 103:8 – Compassion and grace
1 John 4:19 – We love because He loved first
2 Corinthians 5:14 – Love of Christ compels us
John 14:15 – If you love Me, keep My commandments
John 8:24 – Believe or die in your sins
Luke 13:3 – Repentance required
Romans 10:9–10 – Confess Christ as Lord
Acts 2:38 – Be baptized for forgiveness

Song Author Credit:
“I Love the Lord” was written by Lloyd Otis Sanderson, a preacher and hymn composer affiliated with the churches of Christ. His songs are known for their doctrinal clarity and heartfelt devotion. “I Love the Lord” stands as a powerful response of faith and gratitude for the cross of Christ.

Song History:
L. O. Sanderson penned “I Love the Lord” as both a hymn of praise and invitation. It remains a favorite in the churches of Christ for its biblical grounding and emotional depth. Sung during worship, baptisms, and the Lord’s Supper, it continues to stir hearts to remember, obey, and love the Lord.

Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

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