Knowing Your Worth – Song of Songs Series, Conclusion
Set me as a seal upon your heart,
as a seal upon your arm,
for love is strong as death,
jealousy is fierce as the grave.
Its flashes are flashes of fire,
the very flame of the Lord.
7 Many waters cannot quench love,
neither can floods drown it.
If a man offered for love
all the wealth of his house,
he would be utterly despised.
Song of Songs 8:6-7
Heart Matter: Knowing your worth through God’s love.
As we conclude our series on knowing your worth, we arrive at one of the most frequently quoted passages from weddings: Song of Songs 8:6-7. These verses offer rich metaphors that speak to the nature of love—and how that love addresses our deepest insecurities. Whether in our self-identity, relationships, or through life’s challenges, insecurity often stems from feeling inadequate or lacking the resources to feel safe and confident. But the ultimate source of security is found in knowing God’s love.
The verse begins with, “Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm.” A seal symbolized ownership, protection, and commitment. Here, the heart represents our deepest affections, emotions, and the core of our being, while the arm symbolizes strength and outward commitment. When we allow God's love to be set as a seal upon our hearts, it defines our inner worth.
The verse then declares that “love is as strong as death”—a striking metaphor that emphasizes how irresistible and inevitable God's love is. Just as death is inescapable and final, so too is God’s love in its pursuit of our hearts. This fierce love calls us to see ourselves as worthy of such pursuit. We are not just loved by God; God is fighting for us.
Love is also described as "the very flame of the Lord"—a fire that purifies and refines. Even when we experience failure or feel inadequate, God’s love transforms us and brings out the beauty within. His love is active and transformative, shaping us into who we are meant to be.
The imagery of many waters and floods refers to overwhelming circumstances—trials, emotional pain, and the hardships of life. Yet, the passage assures us that nothing can quench God’s love. No matter what we go through, God’s love remains unshaken and holds us steady.
This truth is important when we feel insecure or inadequate, reminding us that our self-worth is not diminished when facing life’s challenges.
Finally, the closing lines remind us that love cannot be bought. This exposes the lie that our worth comes from our achievements, performance, or possessions. The truth is that we are loved by God simply because of who we are, not because of what we have done. His love is a free gift, and it speaks directly to our deepest sense of worth and identity.
Knowing your worth begins with knowing the love of God.
Heart Application:
Take a moment to reflect on the metaphors in these verses.
Prayer:
Abba Father, thank You for Your love revealed in the Song of Songs. Help me to see my worth through the lens of Your love. Teach me to process my emotions and communicate Your love freely, just as You have expressed it to me in the Song of Songs. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
