Though I May Speak With Bravest Fire
Though I may speak with bravest fire
This hymn embodies Lutheran emphasis on love as the fulfillment of the law and central to Christian witness, reflecting the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in believers. It emphasizes that all gifts and accomplishments are hollow without agape love, demonstrating the priority of faith working through love in Christian life.
History & Background
Hal H. Hopson composed this text in 1972 as a contemporary paraphrase of 1 Corinthians 13, the biblical hymn on love. The text was published in various collections including Christian Worship and has become widely used in Lutheran and ecumenical hymnody.
Hymnal Appearances
- Chalice Hymnal — 588
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 385
- Glory to God — 693
- New Century Hymnal — 349
- United Methodist Hymnal — 408
- Voices Together — 761
Bulletin Note
Written by Hal Hopson in 1972, this modern hymn echoes 1 Corinthians 13, grounding Paul's hymn to love in Reformation theology: faith without love is spiritually bankrupt, yet the Spirit freely bestows agape as the measure of all Christian witness.
Preaching Connection
This hymn voices the Law's judgment against our self-reliant accomplishments, then proclaims the Gospel's liberation: love is the Spirit's gift that fulfills and redeems all our striving.
Themes
Love as supreme virtue Faith without love is empty Christian charity and service Fruits of the Spirit