If I give all but haven’t got love… then what good is my all that I have given… for what good is the giving without the right intentions?

The biblical love chapter, I Corinthians 13, says it so well. We can’t perfect on those great words.  But I do enjoy putting my own words to the intent of Scripture… that exercise helps me contemplate the deeper meaning and truth within God’s Holy Word.  And if a poem emerges for us to enjoy, then praise goes to the Lord for helping me find the right words.

I once saw a poster with the words, “Love isn’t love until you give it away.”  I focused on those words and their meaning.  They burned a path into my thoughts, and became forever embedded… for they were the words that saw me through labor the afternoon that my second daughter, Emily, was born… and I gave my love away to a beautiful precious little girl.

Love is a meaningless word unless there is meaning behind the word love.  On giving even the least of gifts, if it comes from the heart, the depth of caring is felt and treasured by the receiver.  With faith and hope, we cherish each other from a heart of true love… it’s simply unmistakable.

But it can also be said that the opposite of love is a rude and self-serving attitude.  Yet, even in this, love can break through.  Though accountability may be necessary to explain and denote the wrongs that were committed, when genuine repentance meets true love and forgiveness they walk hand in hand, and the wrongs are forgotten.  How like the grace-filled love we receive from our Lord!  When we confess and repent our wrongs, He showers us with His all… as mercy and grace flow over us with overwhelming love and forgiveness.

If I give all with love, how I give will reveal the depth of love in my heart… 

If I Give All

Linda A. Roorda

(based on I Corinthians 13)

If I give all but haven’t got love

Where is my heart when the poor I aid,

For without love nothing will I gain

When glory I seek in praises of men.

And if I speak in language diverse

Expounding on life and the meaning thereof,

And should I teach, mysteries to explain

But don’t have love, how foolish the sage.

For love is clothed in virtues of truth

Is patiently kind without envy’s greed

With modesty’s joy and humility’s garb

Courteous to all, a generous heart.

An evil heart is not my delight

In truth alone does wisdom rejoice

For love that trusts and always protects

Will always hope and always persevere.

I once was a child in actions and words

But as I matured, reason spoke wisdom

As I left behind my childish ways

To reveal in part imperfections laid bare.

For if I give all with a heart of joy

Integrity’s voice will lead the way

As faith, hope and love remain resolute

Convincing the world the greatest is love.

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