A true love story (10 mins.)
[Play the VIDEO Information about The Song of Songs].
Next, let's watch a video with information about the Song of Songs. In this biblical book, we find a story of true love and loyalty. Let's see what it teaches us about love, dedication, and the relationship between two people. Prepare to reflect on the beauty and depth of human love, as described in this beautiful book of the Bible.
A true love story
Dear brothers and sisters, true love is a theme that has inspired songs, poems, and great stories throughout history. But no love story is as pure and uplifting as the one found in the Song of Songs. There we read about a young Shulammite woman who caught the eye of King Solomon.
Solomon showered the Shulammite woman with compliments and offered her valuable gifts.
Solomon was the most powerful and influential man of his time. He had wealth, wisdom, and could offer anyone anything they desired. When he met the Shulammite woman, he wanted to win her over. He showered her with compliments and tried to impress her with valuable gifts. In the Song of Songs, he said to her:
LET'S READ THE SONG OF SONGS 1:9-11
“I compare you, my love, to a mare among Pharaoh’s chariots. 10 Your cheeks are lovely with ornaments, and your neck is lovely with strings of beads. 11 We will make you ornaments of gold inlaid with silver.”
Imagine those words. Solomon used poetic language, elegant comparisons, and offered fine jewels. Many might have been swayed by such flattery and promises. However, this young woman was not swayed by appearances or wealth.
Why? Because her heart already belonged to someone else: a young pastor. And she didn't just love him; that love was based on loyalty, sincerity, and trust. It was true love.
The Shulammite woman remained loyal to the young shepherd because her love for him was genuine.
The Shulammite woman was far from her beloved shepherd. She was in the palace of a king who had everything. Yet neither luxuries nor sweet words could change her feelings. She remained loyal because her love was not based on material possessions or fleeting emotions. It was a genuine love, one that withstood distance and temptation.
In the Song of Songs, the Shulamite explains what helped her to remain faithful.
LET'S READ THE SONG OF SONGS 1:2, 3
“Your expressions of affection are better than wine. 3 The aroma of your oils is pleasing; your name is like fragrant oil poured out.”
How beautiful. What she remembered weren't gifts or empty promises, but the sincere expressions of affection from her beloved. It comforted her to recall his words, his gestures, and the love they had shared.
This teaches us something very important: true love is nourished by small details, sincere words, and actions that reflect genuine affection. When a husband and wife treat each other with tenderness, when they encourage each other and express appreciation, that love grows stronger over time, just like the Shulammite woman's love for her shepherd.
Love in marriage should be warm and deep
Marriage is not simply a cold, formal contract. It's not just about living together or sharing responsibilities. The Bible teaches us that it should be characterized by love. But what kind of love?
Love in marriage should include all its forms: the love based on biblical principles that we should have towards everyone (as 1 John 4:8 says), family love, deep friendship (John 11:3), and the romantic love that unites a man and a woman (Proverbs 5:15-20).
When all these forms of love are combined, marriage becomes a strong, balanced, and lasting relationship. But this love shouldn't remain just words. It's vital that it be expressed through actions, with constant displays of affection.
Sometimes, daily life can cause couples to stop saying nice things to each other or showing affection. But the Bible shows us that these small expressions of love are essential. They are like the oil that keeps a lamp from going out.
Remembering and expressing affection strengthens love
Just as the Shulammite woman remembered her beloved's expressions of affection and that kept her strong, Christian marriages can strengthen their relationship by remembering the kind words, happy moments, and loving gestures they have shared.
A couple might reminisce about how they met, how they supported each other through difficult times, or how they faced a challenge together. In doing so, their love is renewed and strengthened.
Therefore, brothers, let us never underestimate the power of saying something kind, of giving a smile, of doing a small favor. A kind word can gladden the heart, just as wine gladdens the spirit (Psalm 104:15).
True love, the kind that emulates the Shulamite woman's example, cannot be bought with gifts or won over with flattery. It is cultivated with faithfulness, understanding, and constant affection.
Illustration
The image in our activity guide shows the Shulamite woman standing resolutely, arms crossed, her back to King Solomon, refusing his invitation to enter his tent. In the background, the servants' tents are visible, containing a basin, a jug, and a towel. However, the Shulamite woman is not impressed by Solomon's wealth or social standing, and she remains loyal to the young shepherd because her love for him is genuine.
Conclusion
The story of the Shulammite woman and her beloved shepherd is a story of true love. It teaches us that love does not depend on wealth or power, but on loyalty, sincerity, and genuine expressions of affection.
Just as she remained faithful despite temptations, Christian marriages can keep their love alive if they strive to show affection, remember their promises, and support one another.
True love—the kind that comes from God—is patient, loyal, and lasting. And when we keep it alive in our marriage, we honor not only our spouse but also Jehovah, the author of love.
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