Knowing Your Worth: From Song of Songs (Part 14)

"This is my beloved and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem." (Read 5:10-16)

Heart Matter: Friendship as the Core of Love

In Song of Songs 5:10, the bride begins a beautiful description of her beloved, explaining why he is so special: “My beloved is radiant and ruddy, distinguished among ten thousand.” She goes on to praise his physical features, but her admiration goes deeper. The symbolic language—eyes like doves for gentleness and compassion, lips dripping with myrrh for kindness, and legs like alabaster columns for strength—speaks to his inner qualities.

At the heart of her praise is a simple truth: “This is my friend.” Friendship is at the core of their romantic relationship. Her beloved is not only attractive but also her friend, someone she respects, trusts, and deeply connects with. One piece of advice for finding a spouse is to seek someone who can be both your lover and your best friend. A strong romantic relationship is built not only on passion but on mutual respect, genuine connection, and appreciation of each other’s qualities.

Just as the bride describes her beloved as her friend, we can see Jesus as the perfect Friend—always present, faithful, and full of love. Jesus values us not just for what we do, but for who we are—His friends. Friendship with Him is essential to our relationship with God and shapes how we view our worth and extend it to others.

Heart Application: How you can intentionally appreciate the inner qualities of those around you. Start by acknowledging their strengths and expressing gratitude for their presence in your life.

Prayer: Abba father, thank You for being my Friend and for showing me the importance of friendship in all relationships. Help me to appreciate the inner qualities of others and to build connections based on respect, love, and trust. Teach me to value myself and others as You do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.