1 Corinthians 13

"If I have the language perfectly and

Speak like a native

And have not His love for them,

I am nothing.

If I have diplomas and degrees,

Know all the up-to-date methods,

And have not His touch of understanding love,

I am nothing.

If I am able to argue successfully

Against the religions of the people and make fools of them,

And have not His wooing note of love,

I am nothing.

If I have all faith and great ideals and magnificent plans,

And not His love that sweats and bleeds

And weeps and prays and pleads,

I am nothing.

If I give my clothes and

Money to them,

And have not His love for them,

I am nothing.

If I surrender all prospects, leave home and friends, make the sacrifices

Of a missionary career, and turn sour and selfish amid

The daily annoyances and slights of a missionary life,

I am nothing.

If I can heal all manner of sickness and disease,

But wound hearts and hurt feelings

For want of His love that is kind,

I am nothing.

If I can write articles or publish books that win applause,

But fail to transcribe the Word of the Cross

Into the language of His love,

I am nothing."

Stephen Brown