Adapted from 1 Corinthians 13
Wells, Somerset. March 1981

If I speak with tongues of angels or men
But do not have God’s love, my gifts are all in vain.
If I prophesy, or deny myself
By giving all away I’m still an empty noise
If I have not love, if I have not love.

Your faith may cast mountains into the sea.
If you don’t show God’s love then let the mountains be.
Can you cast yourself from the temple top?
Love does not vaunt itself for those around to see;
That cannot be love, that cannot be love.

Love is gentle and kind, is not blind to need,
Is patient, envies not, love is not quick to wrath.
Love does not list wrongs, love delights in truth.
Love bears all things, endures; love hopes all things, not fears.
There’s no limit to love, there’s no limit to love.

Hope must soon give way to God’s perfect day;
The need for faith shall cease when I see face to face.
Now abide these three, faith and hope and love –
Faith brings my Lord to me, hope points to victory
But the greatest is love, but the greatest is love.