The Progression of Love: From Self to Surrender
Through Solomon's love song, a profound revelation of love's maturation - from self-focused beginnings to the sublime heights of complete surrender to Christ's lordship.
"We love him, because he first loved us." - 1 John 4:19 (KJV)
In the grand tapestry of God's redemptive plan, there is perhaps no thread more vibrant, more essential than that of love. It is the very essence of God's nature, the driving force behind His actions, and the calling placed upon every believer. Yet, as we journey through our walk with the Lord, we discover that love itself undergoes a transformation - a divine progression that mirrors our spiritual growth.
This progression is beautifully illustrated in the Song of Solomon, a book that not only celebrates human love but also serves as an allegory for the deepening relationship between Christ and His church. Through three key verses, we can trace the path of maturing love:
"My beloved is mine, and I am his" (Song of Solomon 2:16, KJV)
"I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine" (Song of Solomon 6:3, KJV)
"I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me" (Song of Solomon 7:10, KJV)
"In these verses, we see a shift from a love that is primarily self-focused to one that is entirely surrendered to the beloved."
In these verses, we see a shift from a love that is primarily self-focused to one that is entirely surrendered to the beloved. This progression mirrors the three Greek words for love often discussed in Christian teachings: Eros, Phileo, and Agape.
We begin our journey with Eros - a love that is fundamentally self-seeking. In our early walks with God, we often come to Him primarily for what we can receive. Like the crowds that followed Jesus for the loaves and fishes, we are drawn by the blessings, the comfort, the promise of eternal life. "My beloved is mine," we declare, focusing on what we can gain from the relationship.
There is a place for this stage of love. After all, the Psalmist encourages us to "taste and see that the Lord is good" (Psalm 34:8, KJV). God in His grace meets us in our immaturity, drawing us with lovingkindness. Yet, He does not intend for us to remain here.
As we walk with the Lord, our love begins to mature into Phileo - a reciprocal, friendly love. We begin to love God not just for what He gives, but for who He is. We enjoy His company, His Word becomes sweeter to us than honey (Psalm 119:103), and we find ourselves declaring, "I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine." There is a beautiful balance here, a giving and receiving that deepens our relationship with God.
But even here, the Lord calls us deeper still. He beckons us toward Agape - the selfless, sacrificial love that characterized Christ's ministry on earth. This is love in its highest form, a love that seeks nothing for itself but lives in complete surrender to the beloved.
"This is the realm of complete trust, total surrender, where our greatest joy is found in belonging to our Lord and knowing that His desire is toward us."
When we reach this stage, our hearts resonate with the words, "I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me." Notice the shift - there is no mention of what is "mine" anymore. The focus has moved entirely to the beloved. This is the realm of complete trust, total surrender, where our greatest joy is found in belonging to our Lord and knowing that His desire is toward us.
This progression is not always linear. We may find ourselves moving back and forth, especially when faced with trials or temptations. Yet, the overall trajectory of our spiritual journey should be moving toward this selfless, surrendered love.
Dear reader, where do you find yourself in this progression of love? Are you still primarily seeking God for His blessings? Are you enjoying a reciprocal relationship with Him? Or have you experienced the freedom and joy of complete surrender to His love?
Wherever you are, know that God meets you there. He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it (Philippians 1:6). Yet, let us not be content to remain static. Let us press on, allowing the Holy Spirit to mature our love until we can truly say with all our heart, "I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me."
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, we stand in awe of Your perfect love - a love that sought us even when we were far from You. We thank You for Your patience as our love for You matures. Forgive us for the times we have loved You selfishly, seeking only what we can gain. Teach us to love You for who You are, not just for what You give.
Lord Jesus, You who demonstrated the fullness of agape love on the cross, mold our hearts to be like Yours. May we grow in our capacity to love selflessly, to surrender completely to Your will.
Holy Spirit, guide us in this progression of love. Mature us, shape us, transform us until our greatest joy is found in belonging wholly to our Beloved.
May our lives be a living testimony of Your love, drawing others to the beauty of a surrendered life in You. Transform our hearts until we can say with unwavering conviction, "I am my beloved's, and His desire is toward me."
In the name of Jesus, our perfect example of love, we pray. Amen.
"But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen." - 2 Peter 3:18 (KJV)
Based on Wade Taylor's message "The Song of Solomon — Part 2."
