The Jesus Bible Reading PlanНамуна

LOVE AS STRONG AS DEATH

Song of Songs describes the relationship between two people who are in love. But the book offers more than specific descriptions of a particular relationship. As the book concludes, the author shares a powerful reflection on the nature and essence of the love between husbands and wives. Love is not superficial in nature, but it is a strong bond that ties two individuals together.

“Love is as strong as death.” Nothing personifies love more than Jesus and his outrageous act of grace. He loves people so much that he was willing to die an undeserving death. Solomon’s bride knew the depths of earthly love as an overwhelming force and unbreakable bond. Jesus defined the strength of love by dying for undeserving people (Ro 5:6 – 8).

The phrase “until death do us part” — a common wedding vow today — is another way of saying “our love is as strong as death.” This phrase is a vow to a lifelong commitment to one’s spouse, and it is not something to be said lightly. Jesus said that there was no greater love than the kind that makes one willing to lay down one’s life for a friend, and he followed through (Jn 15:13).

In the same way that marriage begins with a profound and permanent commitment, beginning a relationship with God means committing to live one’s entire life fully devoted to Jesus. Nothing can separate a Christian from God’s strong love (Ro 8:37 – 39). Those who believe in Jesus cling to the promise that love endures beyond physical death because of the hope of eternal life.

Jesus, thank you for your love that is stronger than death. Help me to love those you’ve put in my life with the love that you have shown me. Amen.