In this sermon, Pastor Ortiz takes us through Song of Solomon, Chapter 4, highlighting the theme of love. He notes the irony of Solomon, known for his many wives, writing about true love. This contrast emphasizes how modern society has distorted the concept of love, often equating it with the romanticized and unrealistic portrayals seen in movies and media.

Pastor Ortiz argues that true love is not like the tragic and foolish story of Romeo and Juliet, nor is it the superficial love often depicted in Hollywood. Instead, love should be selfless and enduring, unlike lust, which is self-serving and fleeting. He suggests that the internet and widespread immorality have further corrupted our understanding of love, confusing it with lust.

As the sermon progresses, Pastor Ortiz outlines the development of the relationship in Song of Solomon. In Chapter 1, we see an openness and pure desire between the lovers, restrained by a mutual respect. By Chapter 2, the relationship deepens through kind and loving communication. Pastor Ortiz emphasizes that strong relationships are built on genuine communication, not just talking. True communication involves listening, understanding, and responding to each other’s feelings and thoughts.

Drawing a parallel to our spiritual lives, he explains that reading the Bible is how God speaks to us, while prayer is our way of speaking to God. Effective spiritual communication requires us to read the Bible with the intent to understand and apply its teachings to our lives. Prayer should be a heartfelt conversation with God, not just a list of requests.

In Chapter 3, the relationship grows closer, breaking down barriers and building a deep connection and need for each other. Pastor Ortiz highlights that true love in marriage involves interdependence, as God designed us to be connected and united with one another.

In Chapter 4, Solomon poetically describes his bride’s beauty, emphasizing not only her physical appearance but also her inner qualities. This poetic imagery reflects a deeper spiritual truth: God sees us through the lens of Christ’s love, recognizing our beauty despite our flaws. True love involves truly knowing and appreciating the other person, including their insecurities and strengths.

Pastor Ortiz also discusses the significance of seeing no flaw in his bride, likening it to the sacrificial language used in the Bible to signify purity and perfection. Despite our imperfections, God sees us as perfect through Christ’s love, which covers our faults and helps us become better.

He stresses that building strong relationships requires investment, quality time, and genuine communication. Just as a garden needs tending to produce fruit, relationships need care and nurturing. True love is simple and fulfilling, free from the complications and distractions of worldly influences.

In the conclusion, Pastor Ortiz encourages spending quality time in relationships, whether with God, friends, or spouses. By investing in each other and removing distractions, love can grow and flourish. He draws an analogy to a garden, where the fruit of labor reflects the care invested, leading to a joyful and fulfilling relationship.

Pastor Ortiz closes with a prayer, thanking God for His deep love and asking for strength to build strong, loving relationships. He reminds the congregation of upcoming church activities, including passing out flyers for Vacation Bible School, a teachers' training session, and a Men and Boys Retreat.

This message highlights the essence of true love as selfless, enduring, and deeply connected, urging us to invest in our relationships with genuine communication and care.