The language of romantic love flowing through the pages of the Song of Solomon, in the Bible, describes the depth and passion of love between the soul and God. “Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as fierce as death, its jealousy bitter as the grave. Even its sparks are a raging fire, a devouring flame. Great seas cannot extinguish love, no river can sweep it away” (8:6-7). With these powerful statements the song reaches its literary climax. Here marital love is characterized as the strongest, the most invincible, and most valuable force in human experience.
Like romantic love between a man and woman, a heart in love with God, delights in His presence; it is also marked by a deeper desire to cleave to God. This cleaving may begin with an imitation of God, as we experience ever growing intimacy with Him. Love, after all, is not only a feeling; it has spiritual existence.
The one who cleaves to God enters the “Holy of Holies” with the self now open to God and bound to Him. The person, however, retains a distinct existence.
The pursuit of holiness and the transforming power of love have the power to transform our relationships from self-centeredness to other-centered; attuned to God and His creation. The egoistic self burns away in the blaze of love.
The love of God poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit provides the necessary stepping stone to deepen our capacity to love and draw the soul into holiness. To cultivate this capacity to love is the highest quest. In the pursuit of holiness; love and compassion grow as our lives are transformed into the likeness of Christ (2 Cor. 3:18). Let us cleave to God of holy love and let our lives be His love letter to the world.
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