How can we apply the nurturing aspect of love in our relationships today? Love That Lifts Us Out of the Wilderness “Who is this coming up from the wilderness, leaning on her beloved? I roused you under the apple tree; there your mother conceived you; there she travailed and gave you birth.” (Songs 8:5) The scene is tender: a bride leaning on her groom, recalling the place where life began. Love is pictured as a gentle arm that steadies, a faithful presence that draws another out of barren places into fruitful rest. That is the nurturing pulse beating through the verse—and it gives us a model for every relationship we cherish. Lean-On-Me Living: Practical Ways to Nurture • Be physically and emotionally available - Slow down, look people in the eye, offer an unhurried presence (Luke 10:33-34). • Offer stabilizing support - “Carry one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2). Stand close when someone is weak, as the bride leans on her beloved. • Create “apple-tree” moments - Plan settings of refreshment—meals, walks, shared hobbies—where love can awaken weary hearts. Cultivating Safe, Life-Giving Spaces • Guard words carefully - “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up” (Ephesians 4:29). • Speak identity and worth - Jesus called Jairus’s daughter “little girl” and lifted her up (Mark 5:41); use gentle names that affirm value. • Protect reputations - Love “always protects” (1 Corinthians 13:7). Refuse gossip; defend the absent. Nurture Through Encouraging Growth • Celebrate progress, not perfection - Paul thanked God for the Thessalonians’ “ever-increasing faith” (2 Thessalonians 1:3). Notice and name growth in others. • Share wisdom patiently - “Like a nursing mother caring for her children, we cared for you” (1 Thessalonians 2:7-8). Teach with warmth, not harshness. • Pray Scripture over loved ones - “Rooted and grounded in love… filled with all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:17-19). Serving With Hands That Heal • Meet tangible needs - Provide meals, run errands, give practical help (James 2:15-16). • Offer restorative touch - A hug, a hand on the shoulder—simple gestures echo Christ’s healing embraces (Mark 1:41). • Practice sacrificial consistency - Love “bears all things… endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7). Keep showing up. Guarding the Garden Together • Weed out sin quickly - Gently confront (Matthew 18:15), forgive fully (Colossians 3:13). • Set holy boundaries - “Do not give the devil a foothold” (Ephesians 4:27). Protect purity in marriage and friendships. • Cultivate shared worship - Sing, read Scripture, and serve together; the Song’s lovers rejoice publicly (Songs 8:5a). Holding Fast to the Ultimate Beloved Every act of human nurture mirrors Christ, who said, “As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you” (John 15:9). When we lean on Him, He leads us out of our own wilderness—and empowers us to become the nurturing presence others need today. |
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