Song of Songs has raise plenty of questions! I'm hoping we can deal with some of them during the Q&A the Sunday at both Morning and Night Church. (Don't forget to submit your questions here).
One topic that has been raised in plenty of questions has been about those who are not married and how the Song of Songs speaks to them in this life stage. This is a really good and important thing for us all to think about!
I think part of the answer to these questions is realising that what all of God's word is good for all of God's people. Even if we might feel like this part doesn't specifically apply to us right now, it might in the future and it definitely does apply to those around us who need our support and encouragement.
It helps to remember that no one person is an island amongst the people of God. Part of being a church family and a community of God's people is that we are united to one another by the Spirit and we share in a communal life together. So we're to be interested and connected with others, even if their situation is different.
We're all seeking to be wholehearted followers of Jesus in many varied life packages we find ourselves.
Often people will give advice to someone who is thinking about ministry training that they should 'get some experience at life first' so they can know how to pastor people in different life situations. 'How will you know what it is like to be a full time worker, a home owner (mortgage re-payer!), a married person, a parent... if you haven't been there yourself!'
It only takes a moment's thought to realised that it is impossible for us to be able experience the full breadth of life in order to love and care for people in every age and stage.
So, as we seek to love and serve one another, we need to have a keen sense, interest and care in what life is like for all the other members of our church family. They might be older or younger, male or female, currently married or single, studying or working...
Take an interest in them and what life is like for them.
Ask them how they're going at trusting God in this moment.
Read the Bible with them in mind. What does God's word have to say to my friend whose situation is different to mine?
It is my hope and prayer that by looking at God's good wisdom for love and relationships we will have a better understanding of his will for all of us, single or married, and also have our eyes lifted to God's greater love in the Lord Jesus.
Grace & peace,
Andrew
eNews - 11th August 2023