Word of Faith

Loveless Faith and Selfish Sacrifice

July 12, 2021 Season 2021 Episode 711
Word of Faith
Loveless Faith and Selfish Sacrifice
Show Notes

This week's episode features Dr. Joel Snider and focuses on 1 Corinthians 13:1-8a.

God May Forgive You (But I Won't)  
Sung by Iris Dement 
lyrics by Harlan Howard and Bobby Braddock 
© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC


 Well, the kids had to cry for you
 I had to try to do
 things that the Dad should do
 since you've been gone
 Well, you really let us down
 You may be Heaven 'bound
 but you've left one hell of a mess here at home

 Yes, Jesus loves you, but I don't 
 [...]
 God may forgive you, but I won't
 and I won't even try
 

Iris Dement is an Americana singer. The Americana genre blends everything from folk, country, blues, zydeco, and rock. Dement has performed with such notables as John Prime and Emmy Lou Harris.


The lyrics of this song struck me for their raw honesty about following Jesus and our relationships with others. Other Christian commentators have called it satanic, but I think she actually captures the spirit of Paul’s opening verses to 1 Corinthians 13, known as the "Love Chapter." Today’s sermon challenges those of us who possess a loveless faith - the kind that can move mountains, but doesn’t care for other people. The kind that claims heaven, but denies family. The kind of faith captured in the words of this song.