For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. Mark 10:45
Author: Frances R. Havergal
Year: 1860
The Rev. W. H. Havergal’s daughter Frances Ridley was born on December 14, 1836, in Astley, Worcestershire. After five years, her father relocated to Worcester’s St. Nicholas Rectory. She enrolled in Mrs. Teed’s school in August 1850, and she benefited much from her guidance. She moved to Dusseldorf, Germany, to study at the tender age of 16, and stayed there for two years after receiving encouragement from her father to write hymns.
A striking artwork of Christ “wearing His crown of thorns as He stands before Pilate and the mob” is on exhibit in a Dusseldorf, Germany art gallery. Underneath the painting, by Sternberg, are the word “This have I done for thee, what hast thou done for Me?”
While in Germany, Francis Havergal came up on this painting. Whether it happened in a museum or the pastor’s house she was visiting depends on the source. She was brought to tears when she saw the painting. She jotted the words of this hymn’s text on a scrap of paper while tears streamed from her eyes.
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Is it any wonder that the hymns of Frances Ridley Havergal are so powerful, and are still sung today? They are the outpouring of much study of the Scriptures from a heart that deeply desired to honor and please God.
Before finding these notes in a biography, I don’t think I had ever seen the final verse, which is sad, because it is a powerful ending to this beautiful song.
Here are her notes for the well-loved hymn, “I Gave My Life for Thee”:
I gave My life for thee, (Galatians 2:20).
My precious blood I shed, (1 Peter 1:19).
That thou might’st ransomed be, (Eph. 1:7).
And quickened from the dead. (Ephesians 2:1).
I gave My life for thee; (Titus 2:14).
What hast thou given for Me? (John 21:15–17).
I spent long years for thee (1 Timothy 1:15).
In weariness and woe, (Isaiah 53:3).
That an eternity (John 17:24).
Of joy thou mightest know. (John 16:22)
I spent long years for thee; (John 1:10,11).
Hast thou spent one for Me? (1 Peter 4:2).
My Father’s home of light, (John 17:5).
My rainbow-circled throne, (Revelation 4:3).
I left, for earthly night, (Philippians 2:7).
For wanderings sad and lone. (Matthew 8:20).
I left it all for thee; (2 Corinthians 8:9).
Hast thou left aught for Me? (Luke 10:29).
I suffered much for thee, (Isaiah 53:5).
More than thy tongue may tell, (Mt. 26:39).
Of bitterest agony, (Luke 22:44).
To rescue thee from hell. (Romans 5:9).
I suffered much for thee; (1 Peter 2:21 –24).
What canst thou bear for Me? (Rom. 8:17,18).
And I have brought to thee, (John 4:10,14).
Down from My home above, (John 3:13).
Salvation full and free, (Revelation 21:6).
My pardon and My love. (Acts 5:31).
Great gifts I brought to thee; (Psalm 68:18).
What hast thou brought to Me? (Romans 12:1).
Oh, let thy life be given, (Romans 6:13).
Thy years for Him be spent, (2 Cor. 5:15).
World-fetters all be riven, (Philippians 3:8).
And joy with suffering blent; (1 Peter 4:13 –16).
I gave Myself for thee: (Ephesians 5:2).
Give thou thyself to Me! (Proverbs 23:26).
You can listen to the hymn here:
Resources:
* Christian Compositions
* Robert J. Morgan. Then Sings My Soul: 150 of the World’s Greatest Hymn Stories, pgs 140-141
*https://hymnary.org/text/i_gave_my_life_for_thee
