Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth!
For your love is better than wine;
your anointing oils are fragrant;
your name is oil poured out;
therefore virgins love you.
Song of Solomon 1:2–4
I really believe that there is no stronger feeling in the world than young love. It’s that potent blend of hormones and poor judgment that make the feelings of 16-year-olds feel super intense! It is a pure chemical attraction.
I’m so glad that my body has calmed down, or at least my judgment has caught up to my body. As an adult, I realize that the things I need from a partner are more than just the physical draw to be with them. Could you imagine being an adult and trying to build an entire relationship around that one thing? That’s insanity!
In the Scripture this week, we read about the attraction between a man and a woman, and I am struck by verse 3: “your name is oil poured out; therefore the virgins love you.”
This Scripture means that people are drawn to this man because he has a good reputation, not just because he’s physically attractive. Take note: In your relationships, I hope that you are not just telling your partners how much you admire them in physical ways, but letting them know that you appreciate the other things, like godliness, integrity, service, joy, intelligence, and all the other things you love about them that are just as important.
Today I challenge you to appreciate the gift they are in your life and to let them know how much you appreciate all those things.
A note to those who are in the middle of it right now. I know that there is a chance you are not feeling or seeing those things. I would encourage you to cultivate those things in your partner by celebrating the good, even if they are not quite at a level you want yet, even if they are small. As David said in his sermon, “If you are not seeing what you are wanting to see, then you need to check what you’ve been saying.”