I have had the privilege of worshiping with several United Methodist Churches throughout my ministry. There are so many things that connect us as a people of faith, but perhaps the most powerful tool that draws us together is music. One of my all-time-favorites is the song “I Love to Tell the Story.” Regardless of whether I am singing it in a church of 20 people or 2000 it has always been a wonderful hymn that reminds me of God’s love and my privilege to tell people of all the wonderful things God has done for me.
Katherine Hankey wrote the wonderful hymn “I Love to Tell the Story.” She originally wrote it as a poem based on the life of Christ. This writing quickly captured the attention of all who heard it because it was written in such a personal way. Although it is mostly sung with a congregation, the song is singular in its lyrics. Here is the opening verse:
I love to tell the story
of unseen things above,
of Jesus and his glory,
of Jesus and his love.
I love to tell the story,
because I know ’tis true;
it satisfies my longings
as nothing else can do.
This beautiful song reminds me, every time I sing it, that I have a personal connection to God. Yes, God loves the whole world, but God loves me. God’s love, God’s work is part of my story.
As you read the lyrics to this hymn today I hope you will take a moment to remember that God’s great work of love in this world is the story that defines us. It is our story. I also hope you will be encouraged to tell God’s story, to tell your story, as we remember this wonderful story of love, grace, mercy and redemption. As Katherine Hankey later writes in this hymn:
I love to tell the story;
‘tis pleasant to repeat
what seems, each time I tell it,
more wonderfully sweet,
I love to tell the story,
For some have never heard
The message of salvation
From God’s own holy Word.
Rev. Keith King, Online Campus Pastor
