How can Song of Solomon 7:6 guide us in expressing love to spouses? The Heart of the Verse “ How fair and how pleasant you are, O love, with your delights!” (Song of Solomon 7:6) What We Learn About Marital Love • Admiration is spoken out loud. The husband does not merely think loving thoughts; he voices them. • Compliments are specific. “Fair” (beautiful) and “pleasant” (delightful) name both appearance and character. • Joy is celebrated. The word “delights” highlights the shared pleasure of marriage as a gift to be enjoyed, not merely endured. Guidelines for Expressing Love to a Spouse • Speak regular words of affirmation – Tell your spouse what you see and value; don’t assume they know. – Follow the model of Proverbs 25:11, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold…” • Praise the whole person – Acknowledge physical beauty (Songs 4:7) and inner virtue (Proverbs 31:28-29). – Balance compliments so your spouse knows you treasure both body and soul. • Communicate delight, not duty – Let affection flow from genuine joy, echoing Ecclesiastes 9:9: “Enjoy life with your beloved wife all the days…” – Smile, laugh, and plan shared pleasures; delight is contagious. • Love actively and sacrificially – Ephesians 5:25—“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church…” – Small acts of service, thoughtful gifts, and attentive listening translate words into tangible care. • Cultivate exclusivity and security – Songs 8:6, “Set me as a seal upon your heart…” underscores committed, guarded love. – Guard marriage from comparison or flirtation; honor the covenant (Hebrews 13:4). Practical Steps for Today 1. Write or speak one fresh compliment each day this week. 2. Schedule a no-phones evening to enjoy an activity your spouse finds delightful. 3. Pray privately for your spouse’s needs, then tell them you did (1 Peter 3:7). 4. Rehearse shared memories—retell a favorite story that reminds both of you why you fell in love. 5. End each day with a gentle touch and a spoken blessing (Numbers 6:24-26). Scripture Echoes That Reinforce the Theme • 1 Corinthians 13:4-7—Love’s character shapes our words. • Proverbs 18:22—Finding a spouse is finding favor from the Lord. • Colossians 3:14—“Love … binds everything together in perfect harmony.” Living the Verse Speak admiration freely, rejoice openly, and treasure your spouse as God’s delightful gift. Songs 7:6 calls couples to a marriage where love is named, celebrated, and continually refreshed. |