When We Are Living Meaning, History, and Theology
"Pues si vivimos, para El vivimos"
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- Hymn
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Story
When We Are Living is a bilingual Christian hymn rooted in Romans 14:8 and the biblical confession that believers belong to Christ in both life and death. Originating in Spanish worship and later translated into English by Elise S. Eslinger and George Lockwood, the hymn expresses discipleship, service, and Christian hope. Its scriptural clarity and pastoral message have made it a powerful song for funerals, mission services, and multicultural congregational worship.
Overview
When We Are Living is a deeply pastoral hymn rooted in the biblical confession that believers belong to God in both life and death. Drawing directly from the language of Romans 14, the hymn expresses the Christian conviction that every moment of existence is lived under the lordship of Christ. This simple yet profound theme has made the hymn especially meaningful in services that mark transitions of life, including funerals, memorial services, and celebrations of Christian vocation.
The hymn's bilingual origins reflect the growing influence of Hispanic Christianity within the global church. First written in Spanish as Pues si vivimos, the text captures the biblical assurance that identity and purpose are grounded not in circumstances but in belonging to God. Its English adaptation preserves the clarity and pastoral comfort of the original text.
Because it speaks to both the joys and sorrows of human experience, the hymn functions as a theological confession as much as a song of worship. The repeated affirmation we belong to God invites congregations to proclaim their faith together even amid uncertainty.
Across denominational boundaries, this hymn continues to provide language for Christian trust in God's sovereignty over life, service, suffering, and death.
Historical Background
The hymn originated in Spanish-speaking Roman Catholic worship as Pues si vivimos, a text shaped by the biblical language of Romans 14:8. The words were associated with Roberto Escamilla, whose pastoral music ministry sought to provide simple scriptural songs for congregational use within Hispanic communities.
During the late twentieth century, churches in North America increasingly recognized the importance of bilingual and multicultural worship. Translators such as Elise S. Eslinger and George Lockwood helped bring the hymn into English-language hymnals, preserving its scriptural clarity while making it accessible to broader congregations.
The hymn appeared in several influential late twentieth century hymnals that emphasized global Christian song. Its theological focus on belonging to Christ resonated strongly with ecumenical movements seeking shared biblical foundations for worship.
Today the hymn stands as an example of how Latin American liturgical song has enriched the broader church, offering a simple yet profound statement of Christian identity rooted in scripture.
Biblical Foundations
The theological center of the hymn lies in Romans 14:7-8, where the apostle Paul teaches that none of us lives or dies to ourselves but belongs to the Lord. This confession establishes a comprehensive vision of Christian existence in which every aspect of life is oriented toward God.
Other Pauline passages deepen this perspective. Galatians 2:20 describes the believer's life as participation in the life of Christ, while Philippians 1:21 frames life and death within the hope of union with Christ. These biblical themes emphasize that Christian identity transcends earthly circumstances.
The hymn also reflects biblical teaching about faithful living. Passages such as 1 Corinthians 10:31 call believers to glorify God in all actions, echoing the hymn's emphasis on service, giving, and daily obedience.
Together these scriptures provide a holistic vision of discipleship: life is lived in Christ, suffering and joy are held within God's providence, and death itself becomes an entry into deeper communion with the Lord.
Verse Explanation
The opening stanza presents the central biblical affirmation drawn from Romans 14:8: whether believers live or die, they belong to the Lord. This establishes the theological foundation for the entire hymn.
The second stanza applies this truth more directly to Christian life, expressing that both living and dying occur within the presence and authority of Christ. The focus shifts from doctrinal statement to personal confession.
The third stanza moves toward discipleship, emphasizing that Christian life produces fruits of service and generosity. Giving and receiving are presented as expressions of belonging to God.
The final stanza expands the theme to encompass the full range of human experience. Joy, suffering, beauty, and sorrow all become contexts in which believers continue to affirm their identity as God's people.
Theological Reflection
At its core the hymn expresses the doctrine of Christian belonging. The repeated declaration we belong to God echoes the biblical conviction that salvation establishes a covenant relationship between the believer and the Lord. This belonging shapes both identity and vocation.
The hymn also presents a theology of discipleship. Life in Christ is not merely inward faith but outward service, expressed through generosity, compassion, and faithfulness. The text links everyday actions with the larger narrative of God's redemptive work.
Another important theme is the unity of life and death within God's sovereignty. By affirming that believers belong to Christ in both living and dying, the hymn reflects a deeply Christian understanding of mortality grounded in resurrection hope.
Finally the hymn highlights the global nature of the church. Emerging from Spanish-speaking worship and embraced by English-speaking congregations, it embodies the unity of believers across cultures who share the same confession of faith.
Church Impact
When We Are Living has become a significant hymn within ecumenical and multicultural worship settings. Its bilingual origins and scriptural text make it particularly valuable in congregations seeking to express unity across linguistic and cultural boundaries.
The hymn is frequently used in funeral and memorial services because of its strong biblical assurance about life and death in Christ. Its pastoral clarity offers comfort while proclaiming Christian hope.
In many churches it is also sung during services emphasizing Christian vocation, mission, or discipleship. The theme of belonging to God provides a foundation for understanding faithful service.
Through its integration into major hymnals across denominations, the hymn has helped broaden the repertoire of global Christian song in North American worship.
Musical Notes
The tune SOMOS DEL SENOR reflects the simplicity typical of many Spanish-language congregational songs. Its melodic structure is accessible and easily learned, making it suitable for bilingual or multicultural congregations.
The musical phrasing supports congregational participation through balanced melodic lines and a moderate range. This allows both trained choirs and untrained assemblies to sing comfortably.
Because of its clear melodic pattern, the hymn adapts well to guitar accompaniment as well as organ or piano. This flexibility has contributed to its widespread adoption across diverse worship traditions.
The music reinforces the reflective character of the text, allowing the repeated affirmation of belonging to God to become a communal confession of faith.
Application
- Remember that Christian identity is rooted in belonging to Christ rather than circumstances or achievements.
- Practice daily discipleship through acts of service, generosity, and faithful obedience.
- Find comfort in the assurance that both life and death are held within God's loving sovereignty.
- Celebrate the unity of the global church through shared songs and bilingual worship.
Discussion Questions
- What biblical truth forms the foundation of this hymn?
- How does the hymn connect daily life with Christian discipleship?
- Why is the theme of belonging to God important for understanding both life and death?
- What does this hymn teach about the unity of the global church?
- How might this hymn bring comfort during times of loss or uncertainty?
Teaching Tips
- Begin by reading Romans 14:7-8 and identifying the direct connection between scripture and the hymn.
- Encourage congregations to sing both Spanish and English lines to experience the hymn's bilingual heritage.
- Use the hymn in services that focus on Christian vocation, stewardship, or memorial reflection.
- Invite discussion about how belonging to Christ shapes daily decisions and attitudes.
- Pair the hymn with testimonies about faithful living and Christian hope.
Sources
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The Hymnal 1982 Companion
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The Canterbury Dictionary of Hymnology
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The United Methodist Hymnal Companion
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Evangelical Lutheran Worship Hymnal Companion
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Hymnary.org
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Sheet Music
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