‘Jesus, we love you’ is a profound declaration of Christian faith and the title of a popular worship song. This phrase encapsulates the believer’s response to God’s love, as expressed through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ. It is rooted in the biblical commandment to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37).
In worship, words can transcend simple sound to become a powerful outpouring of the heart. For countless believers, few declarations resonate with as much truth and passion as “Jesus We Love You.” This isn’t just a catchy phrase or a fleeting emotion; it is a foundational truth. It is an anthem of adoration for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ—the eternal Son of God who willingly laid down His life for our sins. He then triumphantly rose again, conquering death and securing our salvation. This song is a testament to His undeniable love, unparalleled sacrifice, and the authority of God’s Word.
So, why do we sing these words with such conviction? Our love for Jesus is a direct response to His boundless, unconditional love for us. As Scripture declares, “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19). This article invites you to delve into the heart of this beloved worship anthem. We will explore its soul-stirring lyrics, provide the chords for those who wish to play the song, and uncover the rich biblical meaning that makes “Jesus We Love You” a cornerstone of heartfelt worship. Join us as we celebrate who Jesus is and why He alone deserves all our affection and praise.
What is the heart behind the declaration ‘Jesus We Love You’?
More Than a Song: An Act of Worship
The phrase “Jesus We Love You” is more than just lyrics—it’s a profound act of worship. This declaration is a heartfelt expression from believers worldwide, a genuine response to the boundless grace of our Savior.
When we sing or proclaim “Jesus We Love You,” we are not just singing a catchy tune; we are engaging in true worship. This worship involves:
- Giving Honor: We recognize Jesus Christ as Lord of all and give Him the supreme honor He deserves.
- Expressing Adoration: We declare our deep love and reverence for Him, pouring out our hearts in praise.
- Offering Praise: We celebrate His perfect character and mighty deeds, acknowledging His sovereignty over everything.
This declaration reflects a surrendered heart and a life devoted to Him. It’s our way of giving Jesus His rightful place in our lives.
The Biblical Call to Love Our Savior (1 John 4:19)
Our love for Jesus is not a spontaneous human emotion but a direct response to His divine initiative. The Bible affirms this in 1 John 4:19, which states, “We love Him because He first loved us.” This verse is foundational to our faith.
God, in His infinite mercy, loved us before we could comprehend love and while we were still sinners [1]. His ultimate act of love was sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for our sins. By rising again, He conquered death and offered us eternal life. Our love for Him is simply a grateful echo of His perfect love.
This biblical call to love our Savior is also the greatest commandment, as declared by Jesus Himself: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37). Loving Jesus is not optional for a Christian; it is the foundation of our existence in Christ.
Our love for Jesus is expressed through various actions:
- Obedience: “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).
- Service: Ministering to others out of love for Him.
- Devotion: Spending time in His Word and prayer.
- Praise: Declaring His goodness and greatness through song and testimony.
The declaration “Jesus We Love You” is a powerful affirmation that proclaims our complete devotion and acknowledges His first and foremost love for us.
What are the lyrics to ‘Jesus We Love You’?
Full Song Lyrics for Worship
The worship anthem “Jesus We Love You” is a powerful declaration of devotion, capturing the heart’s deepest affection for our Savior. Written by Bethel Music’s Paul McClure, Hannah McClure, and Brian Johnson, this song has resonated with believers globally. Its message reminds us of God’s immense love and prompts our own loving response.
These lyrics guide our hearts in worship, fixing our gaze on Jesus Christ and expressing an unwavering commitment to Him.
Here are the full lyrics, inviting you into a moment of worship:
- Verse 1
- We love You, Jesus
- We love You, Jesus
- We love You, Jesus
- We love You, Jesus
- Chorus
- Jesus, we love You
- We worship and adore You
- Jesus, we love You
- We worship and adore You
- Verse 2
- More than anything
- More than anything
- More than anything
- We love You, Jesus
- Chorus
- Jesus, we love You
- We worship and adore You
- Jesus, we love You
- We worship and adore You
- Bridge
- We worship and adore You
- We worship and adore You
- We worship and adore You
- We worship and adore You
- Chorus
- Jesus, we love You
- We worship and adore You
- Jesus, we love You
- We worship and adore You
- Outro
- More than anything
- More than anything
- More than anything
- We love You, Jesus
Exploring the ‘We Worship and Adore You’ Bridge
The bridge of “Jesus We Love You” marks a significant shift, moving from a declaration of love to a profound act of worship. By repeating the phrase “We worship and adore You,” the song creates a powerful emphasis, inviting believers into a deeper posture of reverence.
To worship is to give worth, while to adore is to hold in highest esteem. Therefore, this bridge is more than just words—it is an invitation to bow our hearts before the King of Kings and recognize His supreme value. This act of reverence echoes the encouragement in Psalm 95:6: “Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!” The bridge directs our full attention and praise to Him, reminding us of His holiness and majesty.
Understanding the ‘More Than Anything’ Reprise
The reprise of “More than anything” serves as the song’s heartfelt climax, powerfully reiterating the depth of our commitment to Jesus. This phrase is a declaration of total surrender, proclaiming that our love for Him surpasses all other desires.
This sentiment aligns directly with the Greatest Commandment, as stated by Jesus in Matthew 22:37: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” The song’s reprise embodies this biblical truth, making it not just an emotional expression but a covenantal declaration of devotion. It’s a statement that our love for Jesus should exceed our love for possessions, relationships, or even life itself. Ultimately, this powerful line solidifies Christ’s rightful place as our ultimate priority and encourages us to live accordingly.
How do you play ‘Jesus We Love You’ on guitar?
Jesus We Love You Chords (Key of C)
Playing “Jesus We Love You” on guitar is a deeply rewarding experience. The song’s simple yet profound message allows worshipers to connect and resonate with its truth.
The key of C is an excellent choice for this song due to its accessibility. It relies on foundational open chords that are easy for beginners to learn while providing a full, rich sound that is perfect for a worship setting.
Here are the primary chords you will need in the key of C:
| Chord | Standard Fingering (Open Position) |
|---|---|
| C (C Major) | Index finger on the 1st fret of the B string, Middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, Ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string. |
| G (G Major) | Middle finger on the 3rd fret of the low E string, Index finger on the 2nd fret of the A string, Ring finger on the 3rd fret of the high E string. |
| Am (A Minor) | Index finger on the 1st fret of the B string, Middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, Ring finger on the 2nd fret of the G string. |
| F (F Major) | Index finger barring the 1st fret (all strings), Middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string, Ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string, Pinky on the 3rd fret of the D string. (Note: A simpler Fmaj7 can be substituted by playing Index on the 1st fret of B, Middle on the 2nd fret of G, and Ring on the 3rd fret of D). |
Practice these chord shapes until they feel natural. Smooth transitions between chords are essential for creating a flowing and uninterrupted worship experience.
Simple Chord Progressions for Beginners
This powerful anthem is built on a repetitive, easy-to-follow chord progression, which helps worshipers focus on the song’s message. It primarily uses the I-V-vi-IV progression (C-G-Am-F), a common and beloved structure in worship music. [2]
Here is a breakdown of the song’s structure:
- Intro: C – G – Am – F (Play once or twice softly)
- Verse: C – G – Am – F (Repeat for each line)
- Chorus: C – G – Am – F (Repeat for the main “Jesus we love You” declaration)
- Bridge (“We worship and adore You”): Am – G – C – F (Repeat as needed)
- Reprise (“More than anything”): C – G – Am – F (Often played with building intensity)
- Outro: C – G – Am – F (Fade out or end strongly on C)
For your strumming pattern, a simple Down-Down-Up-Up-Down-Up is a great place to start. As you get comfortable, you can introduce variations, but always focus on keeping a steady rhythm. Remember, your primary goal is to support the congregation in worship, not to perform.
Tips for Leading this Song in a Worship Setting
When leading “Jesus We Love You,” you have the opportunity to guide others in expressing their devotion. Here are some practical tips to help you lead effectively:
- Master the Basics: Be confident with the chords and transitions. Smooth, uninterrupted playing helps create a seamless worship flow.
- Set the Tone: Start the intro gently to allow the congregation to settle and prepare their hearts. Gradually build intensity as the song progresses into the chorus and bridge.
- Watch the Tempo: Maintain a consistent and prayerful tempo. Rushing can detract from the song’s reverence. Using a metronome during practice can help you keep a steady pace.
- Lead with Your Heart: Your posture and expression matter. When your own love for Jesus shines through your playing, it helps draw others into sincere worship.
- Listen to the Room: Pay attention to the congregation. Are they singing out, or are they more reflective? Adjust your volume and intensity to match the room’s energy.
- Focus on the Message: Remember that this song is a declaration of love for Jesus. Keep the lyrics and their meaning at the forefront of your mind as you play. “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).
- Collaborate: If you are playing with a band, listen carefully to the other musicians. Aim to blend your sound rather than competing to create a unified worship experience.
Ultimately, playing “Jesus We Love You” is an act of service that declares the truth of who Jesus is: our Savior and King. Through His death and resurrection, He offers us eternal life. As you lead this song, may your music be an expression of faith that always points others to Him.
Why is loving Jesus the foundation of the Christian faith?
A Response to His Ultimate Sacrifice (John 3:16)
Loving Jesus is not merely an emotion. It is a profound, Spirit-led response to the greatest act of love ever known. God, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, looked upon a lost humanity. Our sin separated us from His perfect holiness, a chasm we could not bridge on our own.
However, God provided the way. He demonstrated His boundless love for us in an unparalleled manner. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
Consider the depth of this truth:
- God’s Initiative: He loved us first, not the other way around (1 John 4:19).
- His Ultimate Gift: He gave His most precious gift—His only Son, Jesus Christ.
- Jesus’ Willingness: Jesus willingly laid down His life, enduring the cross to bear the penalty for our sins (John 10:18).
- The Promise: Through faith in Him, we receive the gift of forgiveness and eternal life—a gift of grace, not something we earn (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Therefore, our love for Jesus is a grateful response to His sacrifice. Because He first loved us, we are compelled to love Him with our entire being.
The Greatest Commandment Explained (Matthew 22:37-39)
Jesus Himself affirmed that love is the core of our faith. When asked about the greatest commandment, His answer was clear and direct, forming the bedrock of Christian living (Matthew 22:37-39).
Jesus declared:
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39)
Let’s unpack what this means:
- Love for God is Primary: Our deepest affection, devotion, and intellect must be directed toward God. As God, Jesus is the focus of this primary love.
- Wholehearted Commitment: “All your heart, soul, and mind” signifies total surrender. It is not a partial or conditional love, but one that engages every facet of our being.
- Foundation for Other Loves: Loving God completely enables us to truly love others. Our love for our neighbor stems from and reflects our love for God.
- Guiding Principle: This commandment guides all our ethics and actions, defining what it means to live for God.
Consequently, loving Jesus is not optional; it is the defining characteristic of His followers. This love sets the direction for our lives, making our relationship with Him the most vital connection we can have.
Living a Life that Declares ‘Jesus, We Love You’
Our declaration of “Jesus, We Love You” is more than just words; it is a call to a life of active discipleship. This love should manifest in tangible ways, transforming our choices, priorities, and daily walk.
How do we live out this profound love for our Savior?
- Obedience to His Word: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Our love for Jesus fuels our desire to obey His teachings.
- Devotion in Worship: We express our love by lifting our hearts and voices to Him in heartfelt worship, both individually and with other believers.
- Service to Others: Serving others with compassion and kindness reflects Jesus’ love, for He taught us to serve, not to be served (Mark 10:45).
- Sharing the Gospel: Our love for Jesus compels us to share His good news so that others might also experience His saving grace.
- Prayer and Fellowship: Spending time in prayer deepens our intimacy with Him, while fellowship with other believers strengthens our collective witness.
- Bearing Fruit: A life lived in love for Jesus produces spiritual fruit—the very characteristics of Christ Himself (Galatians 5:22-23).
Ultimately, loving Jesus is the bedrock of the Christian faith. It is our response to His sacrifice, the fulfillment of the greatest commandment, and the purpose behind every transformed life. This love empowers us to live fully for Him, forever declaring, “Jesus, we love you!”
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the chords for Jesus we love you?
“Jesus We Love You” is a popular worship anthem commonly played in the key of C. This key is highly accessible for both guitarists and keyboardists.
The song uses four foundational chords that are simple yet powerful, allowing worship teams to focus on leading praise. These main chords include:
- C (C Major): The tonic, providing a strong sense of home.
- G (G Major): The dominant, adding tension and resolution.
- Am (A Minor): The relative minor, offering a touch of introspection.
- F (F Major): The subdominant, creating forward motion.
These four chords form the backbone of the song and appear throughout the verses, chorus, and bridge. For a comprehensive chord chart with progressions and capo suggestions, many online resources are available [3]. Practicing these basic shapes will help you quickly lead or participate in this heartfelt song of worship.
What are the lyrics for Jesus we love You we worship and adore You?
The phrase “Jesus We Love You, We Worship and Adore You” forms the song’s bridge. This section is a powerful and direct outpouring of devotion, lifting the heart in praise.
The full lyrics for this moving bridge are:
- Jesus we love You
- We worship and adore You
- Jesus we love You
- We worship and adore You
The simple yet profound repetition in these lyrics emphasizes complete surrender and love for Christ. This call to worship echoes the words of the psalmist (Psalm 29:2). Ultimately, these lyrics acknowledge His supreme worth and our joyful submission to His divine will.
What is the popular song that says Jesus we love you we love you we love you more than anything?
The song you’re thinking of is “Jesus We Love You” by Bethel Music. The line “Jesus we love you, we love you, we love you more than anything” is a moving and pivotal part of the chorus, serving as a powerful declaration of devotion.
This specific line captures a core tenet of the Christian faith: that love for Jesus should transcend all earthly attachments. It’s a direct response to God’s unconditional love, as 1 John 4:19 reminds us: “We love because he first loved us.”
Singing “more than anything” is a confession of Christ’s supreme place in a believer’s heart. This declaration resonates with the Greatest Commandment: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37). Declaring love for Jesus above all else is more than a song lyric—it is a profound theological truth and a lived commitment. It identifies Jesus Christ as our ultimate treasure, our redeemer, and the foundation of our hope.