Ok, let’s be honest: Reading those four chapters in Song of Solomon was like reading corny love letters and poorly written poetry from our grandparents' time capsules. So the question is, why would God include such chapters in His Holy Scriptures.

I think it begins with Bible interpretation. Knowing the genre always lends to better application. The Song of Solomon is exactly that – his songs, or actually singular song, about being in love as a married couple.

The purpose of the poem is to give us a glimpse of a fire that should exist in a marriage relationship. As cheesy as it may be, the application in the form of a question is this: Does my marriage have this kind of zest? Anna and I have had playful nicknames over the years. Nothing like Solomon and his tower-breasted gazelle, but close. Some of the most connected, fun, and enjoyable times we’ve had have been when we had cute nicknames for each other, would leave each other notes, and do all the cheesy things to keep the “poem” flowing. That’s what Solomon is giving us a glimpse into and that’s the application for us today.

Keep the passion alive. Let your love flow like the Songs of Solomon. Give each other nicknames, compliment each other, and let your love sparks like the zag and gazelle!