Scripture Verse

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:1–3

Introduction

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Charles C. Converse (1834–1918)

Words: Su­san H. Pe­ter­son, 1998 (pub­lic do­main).

Music: Er­ie Charles C. Con­verse, 1868 (🔊 pdf nwc).

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Susan H. Peterson (1950–2004)

Lyrics

Though I speak in every language,
Prophesy for God above,
Though I understand all mysteries,
I am nothing without love.
Though through faith I can move mountains,
Give the poor all that I gain,
Though I’m burned alive for Je­sus,
Without love, my life is vain.

Love is patient, kind, and selfless,
Envies not, nor boasts in pride,
Is not rude or quickly angered,
Never holds a grudge inside.
Love does not delight in evil,
But with truth rejoices e’er;
Trusts, protects, and hopes for­ev­er,
Perseveres and always cares.

One day prophecies will finish;
Tongues will in that day be stilled;
Knowledge, too, will pass for­ev­er,
When God’s Word is all fulfilled.
Now we only know a fraction,
And as children think and speak;
When perfection comes upon us,
Childish ways no more we’ll seek.

Now we see as in a mirror,
In a blurred and hazy way.
But reflections soon will vanish;
Face to face we’ll see some day.
In that day we’ll all know fully,
As we’re known by God above;
Till then, faith, hope, love still linger,
But the greatest far is love.