I Gave My Life For Thee (Hymn)

I Gave My Life for Thee is a Christian hymn that reflects on Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, love, and the believer’s response to His gift of salvation. Emphasizing themes of atonement, devotion, and gratitude, the song challenges listeners to consider what they have given in return for Christ’s ultimate sacrifice.

VERSE 1
I gave My life for thee,
My precious blood I shed,
That thou mightst ransomed be,
And quickened from the dead;
I gave, I gave My life for thee,
What hast thou done for Me?
I gave, I gave My life for thee,
What hast thou done for Me?

VERSE 2
My Father’s house of light,
My glory-circled throne
I left for earthly night,
For wanderings sad and lone;
I left, I left it all for thee,
Hast thou left aught for Me?
I left, I left it all for thee,
Hast thou left aught for Me?

VERSE 3
I suffered much for thee,
More than thy tongue can tell,
Of bitterest agony,
To rescue thee from hell;
I’ve borne, I’ve borne it all for thee,
What hast thou borne for Me?
I’ve borne, I’ve borne it all for thee,
What hast thou borne for Me?

VERSE 4
And I have brought to thee,
Down from My home above,
Salvation full and free,
My pardon and My love;
I bring, I bring rich gifts to thee,
What hast thou brought to Me?
I bring, I bring rich gifts to thee,
What hast thou brought to Me?

Story Behind the Song

Frances Ridley Havergal, a notable hymn writer and poet, penned “I Gave My Life for Thee” in 1858. During a visit to an art museum in Düsseldorf, Germany, she encountered a painting titled “Ecce Homo,” depicting Pilate presenting Jesus to the crowd.

The artwork’s caption read, “This have I done for thee; what hast thou done for Me?” Deeply moved, Havergal returned to her room and swiftly composed the hymn’s lyrics.

Initially, she was dissatisfied with her work and set it aside. However, upon revisiting the poem, she decided to keep it, and it eventually became one of her most cherished hymns. [1]

The hymn reflects on Christ’s sacrifice and poses a personal challenge to the believer, echoing the question that inspired its creation. It has since been included in numerous hymnals and continues to inspire Christians worldwide. [2]