“Honey, do you really love  me?”I have asked Leon this question many times, not just because I needed to hear these words, but because I love being pursued and completely cherished by him. What most women want to have is the assurance that we’re going to be loved and adored by our husbands for the rest of our married lives. “Sweetie, will you honor me for the rest of our lives? Will you encourage me and let me know I'm your hero.” As sappy as it sounds, these are the words men need to hear. Men might not ask these questions aloud, but they need to know that they’re honored, respected, and adored. Unconditional love, commitment, and honor are the components of the marriage covenant that matter so much. You’ve no doubt heard the word covenant before, but what does it mean? A marriage covenant involves two people willing to love and honor each other and God for the rest of their lives. The term "covenant" is of Latin origin (con venire), meaning a coming together. It presupposes two or more parties who come together to make a contract, agreeing on promises, stipulations, privileges, and responsibilities. Thinking of marriage as a covenant before God, your spouse, family, and community is an important realization for young people. Most people are familiar with the word covenant, but lack understanding of its implications. Covenant is how God has chosen to communicate to us, to redeem us, and to provide eternal life in Jesus. The Bible is a covenant document. The Old and New Testaments are really Old and New Covenants. Most people understand that marriage is a public declaration, but viewing the marriage ceremony as a covenant takes a person’s vows a step further. One poetic example of covenant from scripture is Song of Songs. Song of Songs The Song of Songs is a poem about love and covenant marriage found in the Old Testament scripture and written by Solomon. The speakers are a man, and the woman he loves. King Solomon and a Shulamite woman meet, fall in love, get married, and grow in their love for each other. The poem is also an allegory of God’s love for Israel. The poem also addresses the relationship of Christ and his church. Christ is seen as the man and the bride is the church. I used these two verses in my vows when I married Leon. As you read through this passage, picture yourself on the receiving end of these sweet words. You will find that it makes you feel honored, cherished, and adored. This is at the heart of a covenant relationship.

Song of Songs 8:7-8 “Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. 7 Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away”.