Song 4:7, “You are altogether beautiful, my darling, And there is no blemish in you."

These words encourage us. They draw us from the depths of sin. As we receive them by faith, they bring us to repentance. Nearness to God is experienced, and our hearts open to him.

Receive these glad tidings of good things. They are a feast for you. These undeserved blessings stir up the heart. Hope and faith run together, then love springs forth. 1 John 4:19, "We love, because He first loved us." The best way to get people to love God is to proclaim his love to sinners who are rightfully under his curse!

First, "You are altogether beautiful." The spotless Lamb looks upon us approvingly. Our faith works by love. In regeneration, he made us lovely with a new nature that cannot sin.

Often, we see our faults, but we must SEE THE Gospel. Receive what he says. Do not shy away from encouragement. Trust the gospel to work. People who want to do good must realize how pleasing we are to Christ. If the Spirit comes, it's because of our full acceptance in him. If we'll have power, it's because he loves us! Ephesians 3:19, "and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."

Secondly, Christ says, "My love," or, "My darling!"

A husband can see his wife's beauty but not love her. Christ, however, beholds us with love. He doesn't merely say, You look nice, but passion oozes from him. He talks about our hair, our lips, and our mouth. Song of Songs 4:3, "Your lips are like a scarlet thread, and your mouth is lovely. Your cheeks are like halves of a pomegranate behind your veil." Our neck is long and victorious, holding up the head. Our loveliness has caught his attention. He's held captive by our beauty. Song of Songs 7:5," Your head crowns you like Carmel, and your flowing locks are like purple; a king is held captive in the locks of your hair." He romances us with affection.

We ought to see him willing to meet with us, ready to settle with us, and willing to be held. We must see him loving us… not merely correcting us. See his kisses, instead of only his discipline.

Put away the performance based relationship. Enter his love. Embrace your impact on his heart.

Thirdly, "There is no blemish in you." You are perfect. Let it sink in, and embrace it well. Ephesians 1:4, "even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love.."

This does not mean that we do not sin. It means it's not charged to us. Romans 4:8, "blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin." It doesn't mean we don't confess our transgressions, But it is not I, but sin that dwells in me! Romans 7:20, "Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me."

We love Christ, as the gospel is embraced. It's the only power God has to make us love him - the finished work of Christ and the benefits! Let your heart be renewed. Be confident in his love. Know that he is for you.

It is good for spouses to commend each other. You may not say she's spotless, but you can commend an attribute. This excites love in gracious hearts, and feeds contentment. Christ's love, however, is beyond amazing, and it is for you, oh believer, no matter who you are, what you've done, or how you're feeling! He doesn't compare us to other saints! He loves us individually and perfectly as a collective unit. It's the same love he has for all the saints! Ephesians 3:17-18, "being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ.."