When the words come, they are merely empty shells without the music. They live as they are sung, for the words are the body and the music the spirit.
Don't let yourself forget that God's grace rewards not only those who never slip, but also those who bend and fall. So sing! The song of rejoicing softens hard hearts. It makes tears of godly sorrow flow from them. Singing summons the Holy Spirit. Happy praises offered in simplicity and love lead the faithful to complete harmony, without discord. Don't stop singing.
Interpretation
What this quote means
God's grace is available to everyone, including those who make mistakes; celebrating with joy and song helps heal and connect us.
This quote emphasizes the importance of remembering that God’s grace is not just reserved for those who are perfect, but extends to everyone, including those who struggle and experience hardship. It suggests that through the act of singing and rejoicing, one can soften their heart and promote emotional healing and connection with the divine. The call to 'sing' serves as a reminder to embrace joy and gratitude, recognizing that these expressions can foster unity and harmony among believers. Essentially, the quote highlights the transformative power of music and praise in spiritual life.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a worship service, to encourage participation and celebration.
More from Hildegard Of Bingen
All quotes →O, You who are ever giving life to all life, moving all creatures, root of all things, washing them clean, wiping out their mistakes, healing their wounds, You are our true life, luminous, wonderful, awakening the heart from its ancient sleep.
Every creature is a glittering, glistening mirror of Divinity.
The fire has its flame and praises God._x000D_ _x000D_ The wind blows the flame and praises God._x000D_ _x000D_ In the voice we hear the word which praises God._x000D_ _x000D_ And the word, when heard, praises God._x000D_ _x000D_ So all of creation is a song of praise to God.
There is the music of Heaven in all things.
I welcome all creatures of the world with grace.
Similar quotes
In the homes of many Western Christians, hours are sometimes spent listening to worldly music. In our homes loud music can also be heard, but it is only to cover the talk about the gospel and the underground work so that neighbors may not overhear it and inform the secret police. How underground Christians rejoice on those rare occasions when they meet a serious Christian from the West!
God actually delights in exalting our inability. He intentionally puts his people in situations where they come face to face with their need for him.
Christians must lean on the Cross of Christ just as travelers lean on a staff when they begin a long journey.
If I did not see that the Lord kept watch over the ship, I should long since have abandoned the helm. But I see Him! - through the storm, strengthening the tackling, handling the yards, spreading the sails - yes more, commanding the very winds! Should I not be a coward if I abandoned my post? Let Him govern, let Him carry us forward, let Him hasten or delay; we will fear nothing!
Instead of focusing on the great men of God, I prefer to focus on the Great God of men.
Let us put our hands today again at (God's) disposition and pray that he takes our hands to guide us. Let his hand take ours so we won't sink, but will serve life which is stronger than death, and love which is stronger than hatred.