If I Can Speak

If I can speak in tongues of fire
Yet fail to do what love requires
I’m nothing though high mountains move
I’m nothing without perfect love

I’m nothing if I try to hide
Resentment, envy, selfish pride
I’m nothing though high myst’ries find
If I’m not patient, humble, kind

His heav’nly gifts God gives to me
So Christ’s perfected love I’d see
And know and speak, and serve and give
And in my holy bridegroom live

In faith and hope, love perseveres
No anger and no rudeness hears
Such lovingkindness fully blessed
Gives foretastes of eternal rest

I see in part like children here
A poor reflection in a mirror
Yet in my heart I long to find
Love more by Jesus’ love refined

Above I’ll know, as Christ has known
How vast his love for sinners shown!
With eyes undimmed I’ll end my race
And gaze on Jesus face to face!