“Many waters cannot quench love, nor can rivers drown it. If a man tried to buy love with all his wealth, his offer would be utterly scorned.” (Song of Solomon 8:7, NLT)

We conclude the Song of Solomon today. I hope you have enjoyed this study and perhaps have learned something about love in marriage. As embarrassing as it was for me to teach this on the radio, I believe it is important for us to grasp God’s view of marital intimacy.

As the song concludes, the Shulamite tells her beloved to set her as a seal over his heart, for love is as strong and unyielding as death. Many waters cannot quench this love, and rivers (of adversity) cannot drown it. It is sacred and cannot be bought with all the world’s wealth. Every married couple should strive with God’s help to have and to hold this kind of love. Over the years, I have performed many wedding ceremonies and have often said these words: “Love is a total commitment of the total person for total life.”

As for our relationship with Christ, He demonstrated His strong love for us when He died on the cross for our sins. Nothing can separate us from His love. It is stronger than death, for it will outlive our lives in this world and continue throughout eternity. The love that is strong as death was proven through the death of the One who gave it, for there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for his friends.

Whom is God calling us to love like that?

“Heavenly Father, we thank you for your great love for us. We thank you for the love of Christ that was stronger than the cross. Bind us as a seal over your heart. May nothing quench our love for you. And help us to have this same strong love for one another. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.”