Today’s Reading, Song of Songs 1-8
Focal Scripture: Song of Songs 4:7 “You are absolutely beautiful, my darling; there is no imperfection in you.”
We all like to be complimented and built up, especially by those we care about. However, far too often we are critical of those we know best for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, it is because we want them to be better than we are in our in own lives. Other times we know their faults more intimately and it causes us pain so we want to fix the problem. However, if we would build them up and look at what they do well, it would make more of an impact than our complaints.
In today’s reading we see the love that two people have for one another. They constantly build each other up and discuss the positives. They talk about beauty and awe. They are enamored and in love. They desire to express themselves in ways that are God honoring and people honoring. Positivity overshadows negativity in their relationship.
I am an overall positive person. I rarely complain about others and almost never make personal hurtful comments. However, on the flip side I also don’t praise a lot either. This is true in my personal relationships and with others. I have the mindset that if I am not saying anything negative then you should know that everything is good. Then I am reminded that people need to be built up and not left to think of what they are doing is good and right. How do I know this? Because I like to be encouraged in my life.
The challenge I have for you and myself today is simple but also difficult. Take time in your life to build up the ones you love. Married couples should build one another up more than we tear each other down. Stop the complaining and the accusations. Focus on the qualities that make the other person valuable. Not just physically but emotionally and spiritually as well.
The world and life have so much negativity already. What we need to do is show others that they matter in our lives. That we see them for how God created them and that they have value. How would your relationships change if you stopped the complaining and the comments and just built them up for a week? I can almost guarantee that the relationship would become healthier and happier.
Love and encourage in your relationships. Love and encourage the people you work with and lead. It will change the dynamics for the better.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Isaiah 1-4
