Is Unfailing Love Possible?

"YOUR EXPRESSIONS OF AFFECTION ARE BETTER THAN MINE"

The Song of Solomon abounds in "expressions of affection" between the young woman and the shepherd. Even though the expressions reflect the Oriental setting of some 3,000 years ago and may appear strange to today's readers, they are full of meaning, and the feelings they convey are not foreign to us. For example, the shepherd praises the maiden's soft and gentle eyes by comparing them to "those of doves." (Song of Solomon 1:15)  She likens his eyes, not to doves eyes, but to doves themselves.  (Read Song of Solomon 5:12)  The dark iris surrounded by white appeared as beautiful to her as a dove bathing in milk.

Not all expressions of affection made in the song draw attention to physical beauty. Consider what the shepherd  says about the young woman's speech.  (Read Song of Solomon 4:7, 11)  Her lips are said to "drip with comb honey." Why? Because comb honey is sweeter and more flavorful than honey that has been exposed to air.  "Honey and milk are under [her] tongue," meaning that like honey and milk, her speech is pleasant and good. Clearly, when the shepherd says to the girl, "your are altogether beautiful, . . .there is no blemish in you," he has more than her physical beauty in mind. 

The marriage arrangement is not a mere contract or a formal agreement empty of love and affection. In fact, love is a hallmark of a Christian marriage. But what type of love is this?  Is it love governed by Bible principles?  (1 John 4:8) Does it involve natural affection-the kind that family members have toward one another? Doe this love consist of warm and tender attachment as found between true friends?  (John 11:3) Is it romantic love?  (Proverbs 5:15-20) Actually, the true and abiding love between marriage mates includes all of them.  Love is best sensed when it is expressed. How vital that marriage mates not allow the activities of daily life to rob them of exchanging expressions of affection!  such expressions can contribute  much to the security and happiness experienced within a marriage. In those cultures where marriages are often arranged and the man and woman  hardly know each other before the wedding day, their being conscious of the need to express love verbally to each other will help love grow and the marriage to flourish. 

Expressions of affection between marriage mates have another positive effect.  King Solomon offered to make for the Shulamite girl "gold ornaments studded with silver." He showered her with praise, saying that she was  "as beautiful as the full moon, as pure as the sunlight." (Song of Solomon 1:9-11; 6:10)  But the young woman remained loyal to her beloved shepherd. What strengthened and comforted her during their separation? She tells us.  (Read Song of Solomon 1:2, 3) It was the memory of the shepherd's "expressions of affection."  For her, they proved to be "better than wine" that makes the heart rejoice, and his name was a soothing as "fragrant oil poured out" on the head.  (Psalm 23:5; 104:15) Yes, the pleasant memory of love that has been expressed can enhance the enduring quality of love. How important it is that marriage mates express their affection for each other often!

Next time: Is Unfailing Love Possible? -DO NOT AWAKEN LOVE "UNTIL IT FEELS INCLINED"

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015