What Kind of Love Is This?

This hymn originated in the early 1960's in Ethiopia, written by a 16-year-old girl, Almaz Belhu, who had submitted it for a hymn competition.  The original language was Amharic.  The English translation here is by Hartmut Schoenherr, with stanza four by Joe Herl.  The tune is also by Almaz Belhu.  The refrain asks the haunting question again and again.

When I behold Jesus Christ,

    True God who died for me,

I wonder much at His love

    As He hung on the tree.

Refrain:

What kind of love is this?

What kind of love is this?

    You showed Your love, Jesus,

    There to me on Calvary.

What kind of love is this?

What kind of love is this?

    You showed Your love, Jesus,

    There to me on Calvary.

For me You gave all Your love,

    For me You suffered pain;

I find no words, nothing can

    Your selflessness explain.  Refrain

You had no sin, holy Lord,

    But You were tortured, tried;

On Golgotha there for all

    My sins You bled and died.  Refrain

What love is this? Greater love

    No one has ever known.

My life with God— this I owe

    To You, and You alone.  Refrain