Love Must Be Sincere and Honest

lyricist: Susan Peterson, 1998
Composer: Henry Smart, 1867

Love must be sin­cere and hon­est;

Hate what’s ev­il

keep the good.

Be de­vot­ed to each oth­er;

Honor them as Je­sus would.

Never lack in zeal or fer­vor;

Serve the Lord with all your heart.

Patient

joy­ful

al­ways faith­ful

In af­flict­ion

hope and pray­er.

Share with those who need as­sist­ance

Always rea­dy your home to share.

Bless all those who per­se­cute you;

Bless and do not curse their names.

Joy with those who are re­joic­ing;

Weep with those who mourn their fate.

Live in peace; be not con­ceit­ed;

Mingle with those of low es­tate.

Never pay back wrong with ev­il

Do what’s right in all men’s eyes.

Live at peace with ev­ery per­son;

Avenge not—God metes out wrath;

Give your en­emy food and wa­ter:

He may change his wick­ed path;

Don’t let ev­il tri­umph o’er you;

Overcome each wrong with good.

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