In this message from Song of Solomon, chapter 5, the speaker delves into the themes of love and relationships. He begins by providing a brief review of the book, highlighting its structure as a song or poem believed to be written by Solomon. This book is celebrated for its literary beauty and is often studied in academic settings.

The primary theme of Song of Solomon is love, explored in three key areas: relationally, maritally, and spiritually. Relationally, the book provides guidance on building meaningful relationships, emphasizing the importance of conversation over mere talking. In a world dominated by social media interactions, the speaker stresses the value of genuine communication.

Maritally, the book offers insights into being a loving spouse, focusing on passion and effort in marriage. Passion, the speaker clarifies, is not merely intimacy but the dedication and care put into the relationship. He underscores that both spouses need to invest effort to maintain a healthy and loving marriage.

Spiritually, the book illustrates the love between Christ and the believer. The woman in the story represents us, the undeserving and insecure individuals, while Christ is the loving king who seeks and cherishes us. The speaker draws parallels between the romantic pursuit in the book and Christ's relentless pursuit of our hearts, highlighting the profound effort and passion Christ demonstrates.

In Song of Solomon 5:1-3, the groom speaks of entering his garden, calling his spouse his sister, signifying a deep, familial bond. He expresses how everything the woman has is given by him, indicating the provision and care Christ offers us. The groom uses terms like "my sister," "my love," and "my Dove," emphasizing loyalty and purity in the relationship.

The woman then describes a dream where the groom seeks her out, illustrating the effort he puts into being with her. This mirrors Christ's effort in seeking us and desiring a relationship with us. The speaker emphasizes that just as the groom in the story goes to great lengths to be with his love, Christ does the same for us.

The message also addresses the importance of effort in friendships and relationships. True friendships require investment and genuine interest in the other person. The speaker shares personal anecdotes to illustrate how meaningful friendships are built through effort and time spent together.

In marriage, the speaker advises putting effort into understanding and caring for one's spouse. He suggests studying one's partner to know how to make them happy and fulfill their needs, rather than focusing solely on physical intimacy.

The woman in the story initially resists the groom's advances, making excuses for not getting up to meet him. This reflects how we often make excuses in our relationships and spiritual lives. The speaker challenges listeners to overcome these excuses and put effort into their marriages, friendships, and spiritual walks.

The message concludes with a call to action, urging the congregation to recognize the importance of effort in all aspects of their lives. By investing in their relationships and spiritual growth, they can achieve a deeper, more fulfilling life.

The speaker closes with a prayer, asking for God's help in strengthening their relationships and encouraging them to put in the necessary effort. He invites the congregation to stay for fellowship and enjoy some ice cream and pies, wishing them a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July.