Reference links:
Old Testament
We finish Song of Songs today. We read more descriptions of love and descriptions of the lovers. Some of this is quite overtly sexual.
One line that stood out to me was this:
But my vineyard is mine to give
Given the context of the line and the subject of the poem as a whole, this line seems like a clear declaration that women have the freedom to choose their love. That choice is not to be made lightly
Promise me, O women of Jerusalem,
not to awaken love until the time is right.
But the love and sexuality of a woman are her property. This is a welcome counter to those who would claim that women cannot be trusted with their own sexuality.
New Testament
Paul continues to encourage the Corinthian church to give money to the church in Jerusalem. What makes that church so much more needy, I wonder. Paul then goes on to talk about how giving generously results in a greater harvest than giving less. I certainly can get behind the concept.
Psalms and Proverbs
This proverb struck a cord. There have certainly been people I have cut out of my life because, despite my best efforts, they consistently brought out the worst in me.
Don’t befriend angry people
or associate with hot-tempered people,
or you will learn to be like them
and endanger your soul.