This hymn tenderly recounts the moment when Jesus cleansed the temple in Jerusalem, expressing His sorrow and righteous indignation at the corruption He witnessed. With reverent lyrics by Mary Ann W. Snowball and moving music by Kevin G. Pace, the hymn contrasts the Savior’s deep respect for sacred space with the irreverence of those who defiled it. The final verse gently shifts the focus to the singer, inviting personal commitment to honor and love God’s holy temples. Through reflective melody and heartfelt words, the hymn encourages worshipers—young and old—to cherish sacred places as Jesus did.

YouTube video: I Can Love God's Temple, hymn

Text:
On Monday Jesus went back to Jerusalem.
Going to the temple then, He found some common men.
In outer courtyards there, with animals to sell,
Jesus' disappointment showed that all things were not well.

Their business was corrupt; Christ turned their tables o'er.
They defiled the House of God, a thing Christ did abhor.
For Jesus this was not true worship in his way;
I can show God that I love his temples ev'ry day.

I can love God's temples like children long ago.
I will love God's House of prayer; for Him my love will grow.