We are a singing people. And there is a reason for this. The reality of God and Christ and creation and salvation and heaven and hell are simply too great for mere speaking; they must also be sung. This means that the reality of God and His work is so great that we are not merely to think truly about it, but also feel duly about it. Think truly and feel duly – that is, feel with the kind and depth and intensity of emotion that is appropriate to the reality that is truly known.

Ralph Martin (b. 1942), Katholischer Theologe, Autor und Hochschullehrer

Note on attribution: Die Wendung „wahr denken und gebührend fühlen“ ist vor allem aus John Pipers Schriften bekannt; die Zuschreibung an Ralph Martin ist nicht belegt.

Topics: Joy & Gratitude, Church & Congregation, God, Jesus & the Holy Spirit

All quotes by Ralph Martin (1)

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Great are you, Lord, and highly to be praised. Man, this tiny part of your creation, wants to praise you. You yourself stir him to delight in praising you, for you have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.

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For all that has been - Thanks. For all that will be - Yes.

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The world is more than its burden, and life is more than the sum of its gray days.

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A good sleep is grace and so are good dreams. Most tears are grace. The smell of rain is grace. Somebody loving you is grace. Loving somebody is grace.

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