How can we celebrate God's gifts in relationships, as seen in Song of Solomon? Verse in Focus Song of Solomon 6:13: “Come back, come back, O Shulammite; come back, come back, that we may gaze upon you! Why would you gaze on the Shulammite as you would on the dance of Mahanaim?” Welcoming Presence—The Gift of Returning • Fourfold “come back” signals eager delight whenever the beloved reappears • Cherishing presence is a daily way to honor the “one-flesh” union God designed (Genesis 2:24) • Simple practices: greet warmly at the door, put screens aside, give undivided attention Honoring Beauty—Gazing with Purity • “That we may gaze upon you” affirms God-given attractiveness without crude objectification • Scripture commends rejoicing in a spouse’s loveliness (Proverbs 5:18-19) • Speak appreciative words: “How delightful is your love” (Songs 4:10) • Guard eyes and heart so admiration remains covenant-bound (Job 31:1; Hebrews 13:4) Joyful Expression—The Dance of Mahanaim • Mahanaim recalls Jacob’s two camps (Genesis 32:2), a place of angels and protection • Love within covenant is safe ground for celebration—laughter, music, shared adventures • David “danced before the LORD with all his might” (2 Samuel 6:14); marital joy can echo that wholehearted freedom Community Celebration—Let Others See God’s Work • Onlookers call the Shulammite back, illustrating that righteous romance can bless observers • Shared testimonies of God’s faithfulness in marriage encourage families and younger believers (Titus 2:3-5) • Balanced transparency: display respect, never exhibitionism Guarded Exclusivity—“Why Would You Gaze?” • The bridegroom protects his bride from being treated as spectacle • Healthy boundaries preserve mystery and dignity (Songs 2:15—little foxes spoiling vines) • Private intimacy deepens when public curiosity is kept in check Practical Ways to Celebrate God’s Gifts in Relationships • Schedule weekly “return” moments—unhurried conversation, eye contact, affection • Create memory-making rituals: anniversary trips, shared hobbies, prayer walks • Express verbal praise daily, noting qualities God is shaping in your spouse • Serve together in ministry, reflecting the dance of unity to the watching world • Thank God aloud for specific traits and moments; “Every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17) Glorifying the Ultimate Bridegroom • Earthly romance mirrors Christ’s love for the church (Ephesians 5:25-32) • Celebrating marriage points forward to “the marriage supper of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:7) • Whatever we do—even loving our spouse—is done “to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31) Delight in the gifts, guard the boundaries, and let every step of the dance reflect the Giver. |
    |