The Final Battle

And over all these things put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Col. 3:14

The final and most cruel battle rages For truth and for the hearts of humankind. Let fervent prayers rise to heaven's pages From lips of God's own children, strong of mind!

Let those who stand on watch not fall silent, Let every soul gather its strength anew, That in the battle the enemy lines turn violent, And God's own fortress stands forever true!

For now the enemy has drawn his weapon: He sows the seeds of hatred everywhere. Only the strong will stand like walls unbroken, Those who before him will not bend a prayer.

He seeks to shatter God's own holy Church now, And divide all the children of His fold, Yet our true power lies within the purchase Of Christ's own blood, so precious to behold.

It speaks to all of us this very hour, Reminding us of what the Savior said: "By this the world will know I have the power— If you love one another, by love led!"

It is not easy now to love all people, To bless both friends and foes with all our might! Let God's own Word illuminate each steeple, The love command He gave us as His light!

God gave us weapons—strongest in creation, Blessed is the one who finds this treasure true, Not in brute force or in retaliation, But in the covenant He made for you.

In love of Jesus lies our true salvation, No enemy can stand against its power, Not evil, not the torture and damnation, Not death itself in its most dreadful hour.

It's called to bless and heal with benediction, To fill all hearts with goodness without end, If need be, it will go without restriction, And for the sake of others, it will spend.

Before it mighty fortresses will crumble, Strong citadels to powder turn to dust, It leads lost souls toward the holy temple, And shows the way to heaven to the just.

It does not act through tricks or threats of terror, But bears all things and covers all in grace, If called to it, would go without an error, And give itself for others in its place.

Only the one who conquers all by loving, Who in this cruel battle does not fall, Will inherit God's eternal Kingdom, soaring, Which comes with Christ, glorious overall.