I'll Live for Him

“I’ll Live for Him” is a gospel hymn written in 1882 by R. E. Hudson, an American Methodist minister and hymn writer associated with the late nineteenth century revival movement. The hymn expresses personal consecration to Christ in response to His redemptive love.

The theological foundation of the text is closely aligned with 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, which states that Christ died for all, “that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.” The hymn presents Christian living as a direct and grateful response to the atoning work of Christ. Galatians 2:20, “I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me,” further reflects the theme of surrendered life and identification with the crucified and risen Savior.

The opening stanza emphasizes Christ’s sacrificial love and the believer’s recognition of that love as the basis for devotion. The refrain reinforces a commitment of lifelong service, echoing Romans 12:1, which calls believers to present their bodies “a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God.” The language of belonging to Christ corresponds with 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, affirming that believers are not their own but are bought with a price.

Musically, the hymn is paired with a melody composed by Charles H. Gabriel, contributing to its widespread use in evangelistic and revival settings during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The structure follows the typical gospel hymn pattern of strophic verses with a recurring refrain that reinforces the central theme of dedication.

“I’ll Live for Him” remains associated with calls to personal commitment and consecration within evangelical worship contexts. Its enduring use reflects its clear doctrinal focus on redemption, gratitude, and lifelong service grounded in the believer’s response to Christ’s saving work.