If you had any doubt the Bible dealt with real life stuff, it should be gone by now. Through our readings we have covered almost every facet of life from dysfunctional families to war and injustice. This week we add one more to the list – love. This is not some abstract discussion of love; rather it is a series of explicit love poetry. You cannot read this book without feeling the passion and intensity of these lovers. We are reminded as Christians that all of our life has been created by God. This includes our sexuality.
While our culture has taken our sexuality and separated it from our spirituality, God reminds us He created us to have a full, complete life. This song is “a convincing witness that men and women were created physically, emotionally and spiritually to live in love.” (The Message Remix, Introduction to Song of Songs, Eugene Peterson, Navpress, 2003, page 1178)
This book not only speaks to the human side of love, but can give us some insight to the human-divine relationship. Throughout scripture our relationship to God is compared to marriage. Remember the prophets talk about Israel’s relationship to God is an intimate one like marriage. The New Testament refers to Christ’s relationship to the church as an intimate one. If we look at this book as a love story, it will reveal to us much about the man-woman relationship and about the depth of love God has for us.
Here are some questions for your consideration as you read this week.
1. We cannot help but notice throughout this book the total delight the lovers have for one another. Why not take a moment to tell your spouse how much you delight in and appreciate him or her?
2. How well are you honoring your marriage vows? Why not pull out the vows and read them again?
3. If we use the allegorical approach to the book (Christ’s love for the church), how is Christ’s love for you like the king’s love for his bride? Where have you experienced his painful, possessive, persevering and priceless love? (Question taken from the Serendipity Bible, Zondervan Publishing, 1998, Page 944)
4. What can you do this week to demonstrate this kind of love for your spouse? Your significant other?
5. What would happen if you read this book with your spouse? What discussion would take place?
Enjoy….
As the Wedding Vow Coach, I encourage the couples I work with, and in all my articles on my site, that once the vows are written and pledged at the ceremony that is not the end of them.
ReplyDeleteThey are to be read every day. Sometimes alone and at least once a week together. This opens the opportunity for conversation so that any little grievances and annoyances can get settled easily.
I have an unusual and innovative approach to writing wedding vows. That is reflected in all that I do on my site and in the articles that sites all over the Internet use.
I also have a totally free gift for anyone who would like to download a copy of the 10 Commandments of Marriage. It's totally free because I don't require anyone to leave their Email address. This is my gift to the world.
www.WeddingVowsandCeremonies.com
Love, light and laughter,
Rev. Linda Bardes
The Wedding Vow Coach
Helping couples write down the dream and then live it!