CHRISTIAN LIFE >> LovING SERVICE
SDAH 579
‘Tis love that makes us happy,
‘Tis love that smooths the way;
It helps us mind, it makes us kind
To others every day.
Text
1
‘Tis love that makes us happy,
‘Tis love that smooths the way;
It helps us mind, it makes us kind
To others every day.
Refrain
God is love; we’re his little children.
God is love; we would be like Him.
‘Tis love that makes us happy,
‘Tis love that smooths the way;
It helps us “mind,” it makes us kind
To others every day.
2
This world is full of sorrow,
Of sickness, death, and sin;
With loving heart we’ll do our part,
And try some soul to win.
3
And when this life is over,
And we are called above
Our song shall be, eternally,
Of Jesus and His love.
Hymn Info
Biblical Reference
(r) 1 John 3:18
Author
Franklin E. Belden (1858-1945)
Year Published
1892
Metrical Number
7.6.8.6.Ref.
Composer
F.E. Belden (1858-1945)
Get the hymn sheet in other keys here
Notes
Get to know the hymns a little deeper with the SDA Hymnal Companion. Use our song leader’s notes to engage your congregation in singing with understanding. Even better, involve kids in learning this hymn with our homeschooling materials.
This hymn by Franklin Edson Belden (1858-1945) appears in his Christ in Song, 1900, with the text at the heading, “My little children, let us not love in word, … but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18). There is also a footnote stating that it was copyrighted in 1892 and taken from Illustrated Bible Object Lessons and Songs for Little Ones. This book by Lillie Affolter and F. E. Belden, contained 30 songs and hymns written for 52 lessons on the life of Christ and was designed for use by teachers in Sabbath and in Sunday schools.
The tune, unnamed, is also by Belden, and is somewhat typical of gospel songs for children. It has a pleasant melody, with an alto part either a third or a sixth below it. The other two parts make up a simple harmonic pattern that uses only two or three chords.
When we learn to love God because He first loved us, we also learn to love others, even our enemies, because God loves them too. The hymn says, “We’re His little children”. What a privilege to be called sons and daughters of God. (Lesson 10, 2nd Quarter 2021 – Monday, Heart Work, 5/31/2021)
Jesus wants to send His children to be His hands, His feet, and speak His words to a suffering world that doesn’t know His love. In bringing blessings to others, we make Jesus happy, and find for ourselves the most satisfying joys. (Lesson 7, 1st Quarter 2023, Managing for the Master – Sunday, “God’s Provision for the Poor” 2/13/2023)
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