Does God really approve of a passionate—perhaps even red-hot—sexual relationship between a husband and wife?
Some Christians have grown up with the idea that sex is somehow less spiritual or that God merely tolerates it within marriage. Yet, the Song of Solomon paints a very different picture.
As we finish this beautiful and sometimes surprisingly descriptive book, Solomon and his bride openly express their attraction to and desire for one another. Their words are romantic, suggestive, and unmistakably passionate. And God chose to include them in His Word.
So, what does that tell us about God’s view of sexual intimacy within marriage?
And what about pornography? Some claim that pornography can enhance a married couple’s sex life. But does bringing other people—even images of other people—into our sexual thoughts fit God’s design for marital intimacy? And what does Scripture say to singles who are tempted to satisfy sexual desires outside God’s boundaries?
Today we’ll look at the striking contrast between God-honoring marital passion and a counterfeit that promises satisfaction but can ultimately undermine genuine intimacy.
We’ll also look at the wonderful way Psalm 104 ends in praise to God, the importance of fearing the Lord rather than men, and Paul’s reminder that spiritual gifts should be used in ways that benefit others.
It’s relatively easy to be loving when the other person is considerate, appreciative, and treating us the way we want to be treated. But what happens when that person is being selfish, inconsiderate, or unkind?
That’s when we discover whether our definition of love is based primarily on feelings and what we’re getting in return—or on God’s definition of love.
In today’s reading, even Solomon and his bride experienced a lovers’ quarrel in which selfishness got in the way. But the principles involved aren’t just for marriage. They apply to our relationships with parents, children, co-workers, friends, neighbors, extended family, and even strangers.
And 1 Corinthians 13 gives us one of Scripture’s clearest pictures of what that kind of love looks like. Biblical love is patient when we’re tempted to be impatient, kind in the face of unkindness, willing to believe the best, doesn’t allow itself to become provoked, and able to persevere without demanding something in return.
So, can we really love someone that way when he or she isn’t loving us back?
We’ll also look at God’s amazing care for all His creatures, what Proverbs says about our attitude toward the wicked, and I’ll share a FREE printable you can use during your devotional time to help examine how you’re doing in the area of biblical love.
Have you ever wished someone could hand you a step-by-step plan for changing your husband—or your wife?
Most of us have tried. We’ve explained, reminded, pointed out problems, offered advice, and perhaps even repeated ourselves a few times. Yet somehow the results are often disappointing.
But what if the very thing we think will produce change is actually making it harder?
In today’s reading, Proverbs paints a vivid picture of one kind of spouse and then contrasts it with another. The difference isn’t personality, intelligence, or even spiritual maturity. It’s something far more practical—and surprisingly powerful.
Could the best way to influence your spouse be the exact opposite of what comes naturally to most of us?
Have you ever heard someone say, “I love him but I’m just not ‘in love’ with him”? Maybe you have said or, at least, thought the same thing. If so, could your ideas about love be colored more by the world than by God’s Word? So, what is biblical love? Is it what greeting card writers or Hollywood movie producers want us to believe, some irresistible attraction, something we fall into and out of? Or is it something else?
Is there really one verse that could change your marriage forever? Could it change other relationships, as well? I believe there is! First, let me say that knowing this verse won’t change your marriage. Even memorizing this verse...
