If I can speak every language
Of angels, and of men;
But I do not have love -
What am I profited then?
I'm only a resounding gong,
A clanging cymbal merely;
If I do not love -
In deed, and sincerely.
If I possess great knowledge
And the gift of prophecy,
If my faith moves mountains,
And I can fathom every mystery;
If I am wise, like Solomon,
What good will it bring?
If I do not have love -
Then, in reality, I am nothing.
If I give all of my possessions
To the needy, and the poor;
But I do not have love -
I'm nothing better than before.
Though prophecies will cease,
And knowledge pass away;
Love never ever fails -
It is the more excellent way!
Love is patient, love is kind,
It is not proud, it does not envy;
Love forgives and forgets;
It does not easily get angry.
Love is not self-seeking;
It is not rude, it never sneers.
Love always protects others;
Always trusts and perseveres.
Love does not dishonor others;
In evil it takes no delight.
Love rejoices with the truth, love
Hopes for what is good, and right.
Faith, hope, and love, brethren;
Now these three remain…
Of these, love is the greatest;
Love cannot die, cannot be slain.
Beloved, let us put behind us
All of our childish ways;
From now on, let us live to love -
Until we see God, face to face.
For now we see dimly, in a mirror,
And we can only know in part.
On that day, we will know fully;
Just as God fully knows our heart.