Why do we sing in church?
The New Testament describes singing as a corporate activity. A hallmark of those who are filled with the Holy Spirit is that they address “one another” in song ( Ephesians 5:19 ). Why? Because singing is an avenue for Christian love . Consider Colossians 3:16 , Paul’s famous teaching on singing, in its broader context: Above all these put on love , which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God . (Colossians 3:14 –16) There are countless threats to the unity of the body (Colossians 3:6–9). Paul knows that brothers and sisters may have “complaints” against each other (Colossians 3:13 ). What does it look like to foster a community of forgiveness an...