For Love

Love is patient,
And you endured the crown of thorns
Instead of calling angel hordes—
You knew through death new life is born…

Love is kind;
You called for mercy for their souls,
Though pain had tempted you to hate
It was your grace and love which showed…

Love does not envy;
You lusted not for Caesar’s throne,
You could have made the world your kingdom,
Instead you made the grave your home…

Love does not boast, and is not proud;
You could have shown the world your might,
Instead you sought to win our hearts
By doing what you knew was right…

Love is not rude;
Though you were burned with words of scorn,
Not once did you retort with more,
Though in their hate your heart was torn…

Love is not self-seeking;
It was for us you went to die!
If you lived by a selfish plan
You would not go and flesh defy…

Love is not easily angered;
You had a right to boil with rage,
Instead, in “foolishness” you bled;
A lamb much wiser than the sage…

Love keeps no record of wrongs;
So all that sin was washed away—
Amazing grace that sees no shame,
But just the price which love had paid…

Love does not delight in evil;
Your blood was mingled with your tears,
And even as you spoke with mercy
You hoped that we would drop our spears…

Love rejoices with the truth;
Upon the cross your heart was glad
When he who died there at your side
Saw truth revealed—’twas God who bled…

Love always protects;
And even when your body broke
You satisfied the price of love,
Which dealt sin’s curse a final stroke…

Love always trusts;
Your Father seemed to leave your side,
But even as you cried in anguish
You made His will your only guide…

Love always hopes;
Though darkness covered up the sun
And death would come and take your body,
You knew that evil hadn’t won…

Love always perseveres;
Yes, even at the end it was clear
That love was reigning in your heart;
We see the power of grace appear:

Love never fails;
Because you died with love to save
Our hearts from satan’s grasp of death,
Your love has conquered even the grave…