Communication was the last point of the message last week and now receives its own message. The importance of communication is massive in the success of our relationships, as our very own Pastor Josh speaks on it this week.
After all of the positive conversation and lovey-dovey talk between Solomon and his new bride to be, we get to a rather tough conversation between the two. Solomon is very clear that his willingness to hear from his past wives was non-existent and now finds himself inviting the Shulamite woman to speak to him. To share her heart. We learn from verse 14 that in relationships, we have to have a desire to hear from our significant others. We must ask to hear from each other so that both parties can be on the same page moving forward. Otherwise, someone gets left behind. We learn in verse 15 that like Solomon pleads with his love to "catch the foxes" that ruin the vineyard, we must do the same. The little cracks in communication can turn into holes that sink the entire thing, so we have to be intentional about tough conversations. We cannot shy away from things we have to discuss. The talks that air the "dirty laundry" discussed last week are crucial. At the end of the chapter and moving into chapter 3, we see what this does for the woman and how it makes her feel. Good communication will intensify feelings for the person we love. If there is respect, admiration and honesty, the next logical step is to become physical. We have a desire to show our love through our actions. But as she searches for him and is craving him in every way, he takes a step back. Solomon repeats in Chapter 3, verse 5 what he said in Chapter 2, verse 7: to "not awaken love until it so desires." For the second time, he shows restraint and the desire to remain pure. We are to extend our communication skills to our boundaries, and not compromise them. Even if it means repeating ourselves!
Scripture References:
Song of Solomon 2:14-17
Song of Solomon 3:1-5
