His mouth is most sweet, yes, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem. Song of Solomon 5:16
You know those couples you see at a restaurant who are leaning in toward each other? One speaks while the other intently listens. Generally that type of focus is a result of some intense admiration. When you’re quite taken with someone, you just can’t seem to get enough of what they have to say. You find yourself hanging on their every word.
It is the beloved’s words that are sweetest to the female speaker. His words are what she longs for and enjoys. The more she hears those words, the more she comes to say, “This is my love. The is my friend.”
It’s a similar situation in our relationship with Christ. To keep our love and devotion for our Lord healthy and strong, the lines of communication have to be kept open. The WWII soldier is a great example of this. Before cell phones and e-mail, the man overseas had to write letters to his sweetheart. His words were what assured her of his love and calmed her anxieties. He knew that sending his thoughts home on paper, full of his words of affection for her, would keep her going while he was away. His sentiments made her miss him. And in missing him, she wanted to be with him more and more. The words are what brought them close, even though they were miles apart.
Jesus’ words to us are found in the Bible. We call it the Word of God. By spending time with His words, we get to know Him. The more we come to know Him, the more we find that we love Him. In time, we begin to realize that not only has Christ become the greatest love of our lives, He has become, and is, our Friend.
Heavenly Father, I pray that Your Word will come alive to me. Reveal more of Yourself to me, and in turn, may I grow to love You more and more. Jesus, that You that You are not only my Savior but also my Friend. Amen