Is Unfailing Love Possible?

MY BRIDE  "IS LIKE A LOCKED GARDEN"

Read Song of Solomon 4:12.  Why does the shepherd describe his beloved as  "a locked garden"?  A walled or fenced-in garden is not open to the public. It can be accessed only through a locked gate. The Shulamite girl is like that garden because her affection was available only to her husband-to-be-the shepherd.  By not giving in to the enticements of the king, she proved herself to be like "a wall" and not "a door" that swings wide open.  (Song of Solomon 8:8-10)  Similarly, godly unmarried men and women reserve their love and  affection for their future mate.

When the shepherd asked the Shulamite girl to go for a walk with him on a spring day, her brothers did not permit her to go. Instead, they assigned her the work of guarding the vineyards. Why? Did they not trust her? Did they perhaps think that she had immoral intentions? Actually, they were taking precautions so that their sister  would not come into a tempting situation.  (Song of Solomon 1:6; 2:10-15)  Here, then, is a lesson for single Christians: During courtship, take necessary precautions to keep the relationship chaste. Avoid secluded places. While clean expressions of affection may be appropriate, be careful to avoid tempting situations.

Christians couples generally enter the marital relationship with much love and affection for each other.  Since the marriage arrangement instituted by Jehovah is a lasting one, it is vital that couples endeavor to keep the flame of their love ablaze and maintain an atmosphere in which love can grow. -Mark 10:6-9. 

When looking for a marriage mate, you want to find someone you can truly love and then make that love strong and inextinguishable, as shown  in the Song of Solomon. Whether you are seeking a marriage mate or have already entered into wedlock, may you experience true love. -"the flame of Jah." -Song of Solomon 8:6.

Next time: Jesus Saves FROM WHAT? - Why We Need to Be Saved

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015