“I Want To Know What Love Is”
Song of Solomon 8:5-7
Sermon Series: “GodLoveSex”
Introduction: Everybody is looking for love. Love is the one of the most discussed, sung about, and misunderstood topics in the world. All real love comes from God because “God is love” (1 John 4:8). God loves us with an unconditional love, and then we are to love others with the same type of love (1 John 4:7-19, Ephesians 5:22-33).
Main Idea: Marriage is designed to be a reflection of God’s love for us and an extension of God’s love through us to another person.
So, if that is the purpose of marriage, what is real love? Here are six defining characteristics of real love.
1. Real love is possessive. This is not possessive in a bad kind of way but in a healthy way that is indicative of real love and necessary for a strong marriage. A seal speaks of ownership. We are sealed together when we make the marriage covenant. God’s children belong to Him, and He is committed to taking care of them. Nothing can separate us from His love.
2. Real love is powerful. There is nothing more powerful than love. It “is as strong as death.” Love is unbreakable. It is transforming. God’s love is so powerful that is motivated Jesus to die for our sins and give us salvation.
3. Real love is protective. This is the meaning of “jealousy.” Sometimes that word is used in a negative way, and other times, including here, it is used in a positive way (it is even used of God in that way). Real love produces in us a sense of responsibility for the other person’s well-being. We are not jealous of the person but jealous for her in the sense of wanting to protect him and wanting what is best for her. God’s protects His children by keeping them for Himself and working out His will in their lives forever.
4. Real love proceeds from God. The phrase, “a most vehement flame,” is literally translated, “like the very flame of the Lord.” There could be no love if there were no God. An atheist acting in love is loving because of the love of God without even realizing it. God loves us passionately.
5. Real love is permanent. It cannot be quenched or drowned. We don’t fall out of love because love is a choice. Real love endures all things and never fails. God will never stop loving us.
6. Real love is priceless. It cannot be bought and is more valuable than anything money can be. True love is an unconditional gift. We are saved by the free gift of God’s grace that is motivated by His priceless love.
Conclusion: God wants to fill us with His love, and He wants it to spill over to other people, starting with our spouse. He loves us so much that He sent His Son to die for us so we can be forgiven of our sins and experience His unconditional love! Have you personally experienced the unconditional love of God? Are you loving others with the kind of love this passage is talking about? Are you loving your spouse with this kind of love? The key is to be filled with the love of God and let it spill over.
