Scripture Verse

Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13:4–7

Introduction

portrait
Carolyn W. Gillette (1961–)

Words: Ca­ro­lyn W. Gil­lette, 2003.

Music: Beach Spring from Sac­red Harp, by Ben­ja­min F. White, 1844 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tunes:

portrait
Benjamin F. White
1800–1879

Lyrics

God, whose love is always stronger
Than our weakness, pride and fear,
In your world, we pray and wonder
How to be more faithful here.
Hate too often grows inside us;
Fear rules what the nations do.
So we pray, when wars divide us:
Give us love, Lord! Make us new!

Love is patient, kind and caring,
Never arrogant or rude,
Never boastful, all things bearing;
Love rejoices in the truth.
When we’re caught up in be­liev­ing
War will make the terror cease,
Show us Je­sus’ way of living;
May our strength be in your peace.

May our faith in you be nourished;
May your churches hear your call.
May our lives be filled with courage
As we speak your love for all.
Now emboldened by your Spi­rit
Who has given us new birth,
Give us love, that we may share it
Till your love renews the earth!