Love is the greatest thing
This world has ever known,
It fits us for God's service here
And leads us nearer home.

Without love, preaching's vain,
Religion just a show,
Trees that here only cumber ground
On which no fruit will grow.

Tho' we should give our goods
To feed and clothe the poor,
It could not save us from our sin,
Nor open heaven's door.

And tho' our bodies burn
In human sacrifice,
This never could atone for sin,
Jesus must pay the price.

Love makes us suffer long
And not to seek our own,
Helps us to act as Christians should,
And imitate God's Son.

Our faith and hope will end
When heaven we shall see,
But charity will still live on
In all eternity.