I respect Matt Redman, and agree with part of what he has said here. I think he falters slightly (in this interview) by saying that he regrets using the phrase “I am so in love with you”, since his premise is that he wants to make sure that we have a scriptural basis for our language in worship songs. There may be some problem with the language of “beautiful” in the direct description of Christ (although I would argue there are certainly metaphorical imagery to support this through the poetic books), but certainly there is NO problem with telling God that we love Him. He, in fact, has said explicitly that we are to love him. And it seems somewhat paradoxical to love someone but be ashamed to actually articulate that in speech, song or music. In fact, the language of “love” is used extensively *in scripture* to describe the connection of people to God, and the incarnate Christ.

I am not feuding over this point, but to say lyrics shouldn’t be appropriately intentional about the fact we “love” God is not an argument you can make very well from scripture.

However, that said, you can make some valid arguments about the cultural explanation of certain words and how those may not be the best current translation of the kind of love we hold with God, and he holds for us. Language being what it is, there are times when we understand its fluidity can morph words meanings to require constant attention. Unfortunately, average songwriting cannot always predict this. Even great songs become dated as the language eventually changes beneath them. I do agree with that.

Regarding the romantic lyrics in worship songs, it seems worth noting that the Bible does contain romantic imagery, most notably in Song of Solomon, but that the intended readers lived in a very different cultural context to the culture we inhabit in the English-speaking Western world. Cultures still exist today where men are comfortable expressing passion and emotion, writing romantic poems, etc., but most North American and English men do not find that easy. One of the challenges for worship music writers is to find ways to express biblical values in culturally relevant ways. I think one way to make the love relationship between believers and the Lord seem more palatable to the newcomer (or the ‘blokey-bloke’) is to bring the focus outwards, ceasing to present it as an insular, self-gratifying, feel-good relationship and instead presenting it in the context of God blessing us so that we can be a blessing – so this love between Jesus and me is not just me and the Lord on a romantic getaway for two, but rather empowers me and my sisters and brothers to express His love for others in tangible ways. This will make a lot more sense to someone who’s new to church and struggles with the idea of using romantic language about Jesus.

The relationship between God and His people are so complex that the bible use different paradigms; Father and His children, Shepherd and sheep, King and His people, Creator and creatures, Master and servants, Vine and branches, … One of these is Husband and wife / Bridegroom and bride / lovers. Scriptures concerning this relationship can be found both in the Old Testament(for instance Hosea, Ezekiel) and the New Testament(for instance in Ephesians, Revelation). Because of hang ups/past experiences, some may have difficulty in relating to Him as Father as it is for some in relating to Him as Bridegroom or lover. When watching images from the Hubble telescope, it is easier to sing “How Great Thou Art”. But in intimate moments with the Lord it is easier to sing “I love You, Lord”.

Agree with just about all the comments above – to the extent that I understand them. As a blokey bloke myself and a worship leader I struggle with singing songs about being in love with someone other than my wife- and that’s not likely to happen either! (the singing that is). I would really like to have songs to work with such as amy mentions. I’m looking for songs about adventure, risk, challenge, battle, but there’s only so many times you can do the battle belongs to the lord. Finding language to express the sense of camaraderie that men can share or the love and respect you can have for a father would be good. I find I’m having to filter out a lot of otherwise nice songs with great tunes.

If we must use romantic sounding songs, which Im inclined not to, maybe give people the option not to sing. Is it ok ever to make people feel embarrassed in a time of worship?

Also we got to remember worship isn’t for us and shouldn’t be all about us it’s for God. It’s good to write about our struggles and challenges but at the end of the day it’s not about us and I know I lack the more of you less of me attitude