How can we support our spouse in their spiritual growth, as seen here? The Scene in Songs 8:5 “Who is this coming up from the wilderness, leaning on her beloved? Under the apple tree I awakened you; there your mother conceived you; there she travailed and gave you birth.” The bride emerges from a barren place, leaning in trust and dependence on her husband. That simple image opens a treasure chest of insight on helping a husband or wife flourish spiritually. Lean First, Then Lead • The bride “leans” before she “walks.” Spiritual support begins with shared dependence on the Lord, not independent striving. • Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 reminds us that “two are better than one” because they lift each other when one falls. A spouse’s first gift is a steady arm and a listening heart. • Practical step: set aside time each day—even five unhurried minutes—to read a psalm together and pray silently, side-by-side. The posture of leaning on Christ together shapes everything else. Create Safe Shade—Like an Apple Tree • The apple tree in Solomon’s song offers refreshment and protection. Likewise, a spouse grows best where love is felt and safety is certain. • Proverbs 31:11 speaks of a husband in whom a wife’s heart “trusts.” Trust doesn’t happen accidentally; it’s cultivated through consistent kindness, patience, and honesty. • Ephesians 4:29: “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need.” Speaking life folds protective branches over your partner’s soul. Speak the Word Over One Another • Ephesians 5:25-27 shows Christ washing His bride “with the water of the word.” Husbands and wives imitate that cleansing rhythm by bringing Scripture into ordinary conversation. • Ideas: – Text a verse that encouraged you during lunch break. – Swap insights from Sunday’s sermon on the drive home. – Memorize a short passage together each month (start with Psalm 23 or Romans 8:1). Pray For—and With—Your Spouse • Colossians 1:9-10 models intercession: asking God to fill a loved one “with the knowledge of His will…bearing fruit in every good work.” Make that prayer your own, inserting your spouse’s name. • Set a phone reminder: every afternoon, whisper a thirty-second prayer for your partner’s walk with Christ. They never need to know the schedule; they’ll feel the effects. Encourage Spiritual Risk-Taking • The couple journeys “up from the wilderness.” Growth involves leaving comfort zones. • Hebrews 10:24: “And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds.” • Ways to spur: – Attend a Bible-teaching class together and discuss what stretched you. – Volunteer side-by-side in a ministry where neither of you feels naturally gifted. – Celebrate small steps—sharing a testimony, leading a family devotion—with genuine applause. Honor Differences in Pace and Style • 1 Peter 3:7 urges husbands to live with wives “in an understanding way.” Wives show the same courtesy. One spouse may journal quietly; the other may process by talking. Encourage, don’t copy-paste. • Tip: ask, “What helps you feel close to the Lord lately?” Then protect time for that practice, even if it’s not your own preference. Model Repentance and Forgiveness • Nothing hinders growth like unresolved sin. James 5:16: “Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed.” • Make apologizing normal; make forgiving quick. A climate of grace keeps hearts soft toward God. Lift Your Eyes to the Ultimate Bridegroom • Every scene in Song of Solomon whispers of Christ and His church. When a husband and wife focus on Him together, personal shortcomings shrink and spiritual roots deepen. • Revelation 19:7: “The marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready.” Supporting each other now prepares both for that future celebration. Key Takeaways • Offer a leaning arm: share devotional moments daily. • Provide safe shade: guard your words and actions. • Wash with the Word: keep Scripture in circulation. • Pray persistently: intercede by name and by need. • Cheer on faith-stretching steps. • Respect God-given differences. • Practice quick repentance and forgiveness. • Fix both sets of eyes on Jesus, the true Beloved. Under the apple tree of covenant love, spouses who lean on the Lord together will keep rising—out of wilderness and toward ever-richer spiritual life. |
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