Steve Gaines

By Steve Gaines, Ph. D.

Second only to my salvation in Christ, the greatest gift God has ever given me is my wife Donna. We met as college students at Union University. I remember the first time I looked into her eyes. We were in the library, and she was wearing a tan sweater with a loose turtleneck collar. When she removed her glasses and looked at me, it felt like my heart stopped. We soon went on our first date, and within a month we were in love. Four-and-a-half months later we were engaged. This year we will celebrate 30 years of marriage!

True love is strengthening. Since we met Donna and I have faced many trials. Yet, just like King Solomon wrote in Song of Solomon 8:7, the threatening floods of life have not quenched the fire of our love. Despite the difficulties a married couple may endure, love can see them through.

True love is indestructible. Song of Solomon is the story of romance between two young married lovers who were openly intimate and affectionate. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13:7-8a, “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.”

True love is not for sale. Solomon said, “If a man were to give all the riches of his house for love, it would be utterly despised.” Lovers must give to one another mutually and freely.

You can’t buy this kind of love; it is a gift from God. If God has blessed you with romantic love that leads to a lifelong marriage, guard and cherish that gift. It is the most precious treasure you own!