Knowing Your Worth from Song of Songs Series: Part 4
He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love. Song of Songs 2:4
Heart Matter: Deserving Honor and Protection
In Song of Songs 2:4, we find an important standard for all relationships—whether romantic, friendships, or familial. The verse uses the imagery of a "banquet hall" and a "banner" to convey important truths about honor and protection within relationships.
The banquet hall symbolizes a place of joy, abundance, and mutual celebration. It represents relationships that are spaces of mutual respect and honor, where both parties uplift each other. Just as a banquet is a place of feast and delight, so should our relationships be life-giving and filled with care and joy.
The banner, used in ancient military contexts, was a symbol of protection and a rallying point. When the verse says, "his banner over me is love," it signifies a public declaration of love that shields and protects the relationship. In healthy relationships, both parties should feel secure, valued, and safe from harm.
However, in toxic relationships, this sense of honor and protection is often absent. Emotional needs go unmet, leading to feelings of exposure and hurt rather than security and care. If a relationship lacks protection and clear affirmation, it’s a sign that it may not be honoring your worth.
We all deserve relationships that offer honor and protection. Compromising in relationships often leads to a loss of self-worth and identity. When we justify or rationalize dishonor or harm from others, we start to believe we don’t deserve better. But the truth is, we all deserve relationships that reflect the honor and protection God intends for us.
Heart Application:
Take a moment to evaluate your relationships. Identify those that feel like a banquet—life-giving and full of joy, rooted in an abundance mindset. Also, recognize relationships that are life-draining, driven by a scarcity mindset such as fear of losing someone. Assess whether these relationships honor and protect you as they should.
Short Prayer:
Abba Father, help me to understand my worth and the true meaning of relationships. I thank You for honoring and protecting me with Your love. Help me to discern toxic relationships and give me the courage to seek connections that reflect the honor and protection I deserve, because I am worthy and cherished. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
