How can we reflect the admiration shown in Song of Solomon 6:4? Setting the Scene Song of Solomon 6:4: “You are as beautiful, my darling, as Tirzah, as lovely as Jerusalem, as majestic as troops with banners.” The husband dazzles his bride with lavish praise, comparing her to Israel’s most delightful cities and to an army in full, glorious display. The verse models a wholehearted, public, and specific admiration that builds security and joy. Why This Matters Today • Admiration is fuel for covenant love. • Words shape the atmosphere of a home (Proverbs 18:21). • Honoring a spouse mirrors Christ’s honoring love for His church (Ephesians 5:25-27). Practical Ways to Reflect This Admiration in Marriage • Speak beauty, not just duty – Replace routine “thanks” with vivid praise: “You light up the room when you walk in.” – Note character: “Your kindness toward the kids reveals Christ’s gentleness.” • Be specific and timely – Mention concrete details (hair, smile, wisdom, diligence). – Share in front of others when appropriate, echoing “majestic as troops with banners,” a public declaration. • Celebrate identity, not mere performance – Affirm who your spouse is in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). – Separate praise from chores; admiration is not a paycheck. • Use creative comparisons – Scripture uses Tirzah, Jerusalem, banners. Borrow that spirit: compare your spouse to mountains, sunsets, or favorite songs. • Show consistency – Daily texts, handwritten notes, gentle touches all reinforce spoken admiration. • Guard tone and body language – A soft voice and warm eyes turn words into life (Colossians 4:6). Daily Habits That Communicate Honor 1. Morning blessing: one sentence of specific praise before parting ways. 2. Mid-day connection: a quick message recalling a shared memory. 3. Evening recap: highlight one thing you admired that day. 4. Weekly “Jerusalem moment”: a deliberate, slightly extravagant statement or act of honor—flowers, a favorite meal, or public acknowledgment at the table. 5. Monthly reflection: write down ten qualities you cherish; share at date night. Admiration Beyond Marriage: The Wider Application • Friends and family – Proverbs 27:9: “Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the sweetness of a friend is counsel to the soul.” – Look for the image of God in others and verbalize it. • The church – Romans 12:10: “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.” – Encourage volunteers, leaders, and new believers with specifics. • Toward Christ – Hebrews 13:15: “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise.” – Regularly recount the beauty, loveliness, and majesty of our Lord. Guardrails for Genuine Admiration • Avoid flattery (Proverbs 26:28). Keep praise truthful. • Anchor admiration in Scripture’s values, not worldly lust. • Stay humble: give thanks to God for the spouse He crafted (James 1:17). • Seek the Spirit’s help; admiration flows best from a heart first captivated by Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). A Closing Snapshot When our words echo the wonder of Songs 6:4, homes become sanctuaries, hearts are fortified, and the watching world sees a living illustration of Christ’s passionate, honoring love for His people. |
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