"But the Greatest of These Is Love"

Though I teach with skill of the finest teachers
and have not love,
I am only a clever speaker and charming entertainer.
And though I understand all techniques and try many methods,
and though I have much training, so that I feel competent,
but have no understanding of the way my students think and feel,
It is not enough.

And if I spend many hours in preparation
and become tense and nervous with the strain,
but have no love and understanding
of the personal problems of my students,
It still is not enough.

The loving teacher is very patient, very kind;
is not shocked when people bring him or her their confidences;
does not gossip; is not easily discouraged;
does not behave in ways that are unworthy,
but is at all times a living example to his or her students
of the good way of life of which he or she speaks.
Love never fails.

But, whether there be materials, they shall become obsolete;
Whether there be methods, they shall become outmoded;
Whether there be techniques, they shall be abandoned;
For we know only a little, and can pass on to our students only a little;

But, when we have love
Then all our efforts will become creative,
and our influence will live forever
in the lives of our students.

And now abide skill, methods, love, these three;
But the greatest of these is love.

- Anonymous
(Adaptation of 1 Corinthians 13)

as appeared in A Call to Reflection: A Teacher's Guide to Catholic Identity for the 21st Century by Gini Shimabukuro