Five Reasons Why I Love Singing Together

by Doy Moyer

Often, discussions about singing focus on authority for a cappella singing over against playing instruments in worship assemblies. There is a place for that discussion, but that is not the focus here (so please refrain from that). Rather than debating specific arguments now, I want to provide reasons to appreciate singing. Lifting up voices together is powerful for both glorifying God and building up one another in faith. This is a grand feature of Christ’s people in joint participation, and we should cherish its significance. Following, then, are some reasons why I love our singing together:

1. It encourages everyone to participate in mutual edification as we speak to one another (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). Joint encouragement and participation are the models we see in Scripture for building up one another, and singing facilitates this by inviting all to join. I would note here that we should remember this when choosing songs. Song difficulty can be a hindrance if it discourages participation and thereby loses its purpose. We ought to be able to focus on words and sing with intent (even if I can’t hold a note). Let us choose hymns and sing in a way that encourages all to participate. Of course, we should learn new songs and seek to do our best, but let’s be mindful that we don’t leave others behind in discouragement. All group actions are to build up God’s people.
2. It calls on participants to carefully consider what they are saying to God and one another. It can be easy to gloss over and thoughtlessly mouth words, but we must be drawn back to the content. Much of what we sing has profound, rich meaning. We should think deeply about the words to be accurate in teaching, purposeful in worship, and intentional in edifying one another. We owe gratitude to hymn writers who can spur us on to greater thought and thankfulness for God and His people.
3. It highlights the unity of the saints as we worship God together with one voice. It is a true “one another” activity. “One voice” is not contrary to singing four-part harmony, and such harmony is not antithetical to unity. Rather, like being “united in the same mind and the same judgment” (I Corinthians 1:10), our purposes are aligned and our hearts are together as we seek to glorify God and build up each other. Singing together is a powerful testimony to our desire to “maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). Whether that singing is in parts, in unison, or as chants, the purpose remains the same. This also means that the singing is not about perfect pitch or professional vocals, but rather it is about expressing our hearts through appropriate words that demonstrate our desire to be one in Christ as we worship and edify.
4. It fulfills temple imagery and helps complete the beautiful picture of God’s people foreshadowed by the temple and its practices. The tabernacle and temple were meant to be shadows of something greater. The pattern is in heaven (see Hebrews 9), and the temple was given to point to God’s presence. The various features of the temple and its regulations pointed to God’s people under Christ. For example, the people of God in Christ are the temple, the priesthood, and the sacrifices (Ephesians 2:20-22; I Corinthians 3; I Peter 2:1-9; Romans 12:1-2). Under the regulations, the instruments were connected to the priesthood and sacrifices at the temple (II Chronicles 29:25-28). It should be no surprise, then, to see God’s people — priests and sacrifices — as also the instruments of praise as we “make melody (psallo) in your heart to the Lord” and offer the fruit of our lips as a sacrifice of praise to God (Ephesians 5:19; Hebrews 13:15). This is a beautiful picture and it highlights that the true instruments of God’s praise are His people! This ought to transform how we think about our worship. Praise God for who we are in Christ!
5. It helps create a bond between our emotions and the truth expressed through the poetic words. God knows that music can touch our emotions, and if done correctly, the emotions will complement the truth being expressed. We do not want to leave the impression that we are singing with no feelings, as if it is a drudgery to get over. Emotions are not meant to lead the way, since feelings can be deceived easily, but they are meant to support truth and bind our hearts to the One who created us in His image. For example, singing “Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love” speaks truth and encourages our emotions to draw us closer to God and one another. In some instances, tears may flow as we realize the importance of what we are saying. Emotions are very much part of our service to God and one another. Nurture them accordingly.

I encourage you to consider more reasons to appreciate speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Why do you love it?