For the love of Christ constrains,
Presses on us from all sides,
Holds us to a single end,
Forcibly it limits us.
For the love of Christ constrains,
To one object we're confined,
Kept within its certain bounds,
And shut up unto one line.

For the love of Christ constrains,
As a narrow road with walls;
In this way we are compelled
By Christ's love to live to Him.
For the love of Christ constrains,
One died on behalf of all,
So conclude that all have died.
To ourselves we may not live.

For the love of Christ constrains
Us to live not to ourselves,
But to Him who died for us,
Who for us has now been raised.
For the love of Christ constrains
By the loving death of Christ,
That we, motivated thus,
Live a loving life for Him.

For the love of Christ constrains,
Or we would not live to Him,
Nor from old life would refrain,
But His love does press us in.
For the love of Christ constrains,
Causes us our life to lose.
Lord, we're captive in Your love,
Willingly we live to You.