“There aren’t any easy answers to the questions being raised today, and it may be too easy for me to remember Jesus saying, “Greater love has no man than to give up his life for his friend.” Or wife, or children. Isn’t staying with your family sometimes a real equivalent of giving up your own life? Cannot it sometimes be a blessing, especially if it is given with graciousness, not rigid rectitude? I believe that it can, because I know of families where this is what has happened. Sacrifice is no longer popular, but I think that sometimes it can lead to true joy. Even the simplest of unions does not come free. There is always sacrifice” (Madeleine L’Engle).
Love must be nurtured before it can be maintained in a marriage. It can easily lose vibrancy and contentment.
Friends asked where the lovers went. He browsed in the gardens. I am my lover’s and my lover is mine. You are beautiful, my darling. Your hair is like a flock of goats and teeth like a flock of sheep. My dove, my perfect one, is unique. Maidens called her blessed and queens praised her. Who appeared like the dawn and majestic as the stars? Friends asked if they could gaze on her (Songs 6:1-13). Praise your wife to build a unified marriage.
Your graceful legs were like jewels, breasts like two fawns, neck like an ivory tower and head crowned you like Mount Carmel. How beautiful and pleasing are you with your delights. Your stature was like a palm and breasts like clusters of fruit . I will climb the palm tree and take hold of its fruit. Your breasts were like clusters of the vine and mouth like the best wine. I belong to my lover and his desire is for me. Let us go to the countryside, spend the night in the villages and go to the vineyards to give you love (Songs 7:1-13). Create a positive atmosphere to nurture lovemaking.
His left arm was under my head and his right arm embraced me. Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desired. Place me like a seal over your heart for love was as strong as death and its jealousy burned like a mighty flame. Many waters could not quench or wash away love (Songs 8:1-7). Nurture love so it is not quenched in your marriage.
A young sister was not yet grown. If she was a wall, they build towers of silver on her. If she was a door, they enclosed her with panels of cedar (Songs 8:8-9). Maintain purity of young women until they are ready for marriage.
She was a wall and her breasts were like towers. She became in his eyes like one bringing contentment. Solomon’s vineyard brought for its fruit 1000 shekels of silver. She gave her vineyard to Solomon for 1000 shekels and 200 for those who tended its fruit. Come away, my lover, like a young stag on the spice-laden mountains (Songs 8:10-14).
Satisfy your spouse to ensure vibrancy and contentment in your marriage.
How are you nurturing love in your marriage? Where do you need repentance to get back on track so you maintain vibrancy in your marriage?
