True-Hearted, Whole-Hearted

“True-Hearted, Whole-Hearted, Faithful and Loyal” is a deeply stirring hymn by Frances Ridley Havergal, the gifted English poet and hymn writer often called “the consecration poet.” Written in 1874, this hymn reflects Havergal’s lifelong devotion to Christ and her emphasis on wholehearted consecration. Its powerful call to total surrender resonates with her well-known hymn “Take My Life and Let It Be,” revealing her consistent message of serving Christ with full dedication. The hymn challenges believers to live with integrity, sincerity, and undivided loyalty to Jesus, capturing the essence of Christian discipleship as a life of love and service motivated by devotion to Him.

Frances Havergal’s hymns were known for their depth of Scripture and personal conviction. Her own walk with God was marked by a commitment to holiness and a passion to lead others closer to Christ. In this hymn, she uses vivid, action-filled language, emphasizing virtues such as courage, loyalty, and steadfastness. It carries a tone of rallying believers to be strong in their spiritual journey, not half-hearted or distracted, but fully committed to the Savior. This theme of whole-hearted devotion is supported by Colossians 3:23, which calls Christians to do all things heartily as to the Lord, and Revelation 2:10, which exhorts believers to be faithful unto death.

The hymn was set to a lively and robust tune, fitting for its rousing message of commitment. Its verses were often sung in youth gatherings, missionary meetings, and church services where devotion and consecration were emphasized. Havergal’s influence in hymn writing continues to endure because of the sincerity of her work and her ability to write hymns that combine poetry with profound theology. “True-Hearted, Whole-Hearted” remains a timeless hymn that continues to inspire Christians to serve Christ with courage, loyalty, and an undivided heart, echoing the writer’s own prayerful life of faith.