11th April 2026

11th April 2026


Pray (ACts) 


Read (Song of Solomon 5v10-6v2)


Message (Scott Woodburn)


I've tried to suggest over the past few devotions that the Song of Solomon teaches us that our relationships with others should be built on friendship and the marriage relationship alone should enjoy passion in the bedroom. But there is something much more fundamental and foundational to our relationships.


Many years ago I knew a young man who turned his back on the faith. When I spoke to him to find out a little bit more of his story, he told me that he had left the faith behind when his friendship with another Christian ended. The other Christian had been hugely influential in the young man's life and eventually helped the young man come to Jesus. Even so, when the friendship changed, the young man saw no further need to continue with the Lord. His relationship with Christ was dictated by his relationship with a friend. It should never have been like that and sadly the last I heard of the young man suggested he had walked away and never turned back.


So before the friendship develops and the physical intimacy blossoms, allow me to suggest that you ask a simple question - "Does this person love the Lord more than they love me?" Before you are captivated by that handsome guy who threatens to sweep you off your feet - how much does he love Christ? Before planning to propose to the woman of your dreams in Lapland this Christmas - how much does she love Christ?


If our relationships are to develop as we all would like, we must consider the state of our own relationship with Jesus. If Mrs Woodburn deserves my best then it must begin as I do regular business with the Lord. The heart that is captivated by the beauty of Christ is one which is ready to love others well.


Does this mean that those outside the faith can't have excellent marriages? Does this mean that non-Christians can't be faithful friends? No to both of these questions. God is good and He extends His common grace throughout the world - we see the Lord's fingerprints when even pagans act rightly (Romans 2v14-16). We should celebrate good marriages and relationships when we see them. 


But you and I are Christians and we are well aware of our sinful natures. Therefore, I think our primary relationship is the one that we have with Christ and when this relationship is right our other relationships benefit. Brothers and sisters, strive to be the most faithful friend you can be, ensure that your husband or wife always feels loved and enjoy the gift of sex within the marriage bed. But in marriage or friendship ensure that you keep the main thing the main thing - love Christ more than anyone else.




Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC


Q39 What is the duty which God requireth of man? The duty which God requireth of man, is obedience to his revealed will.
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