You.

Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires. Song of Solomon two, verse seven. Just about everyone has heard the song written by the Beatles, John Lennon and Paul McCartney that says money can't buy me love. Maybe you can buy attention and affection to a degree, though I suspect it's more a response to a bribe than it is real. But you can't make someone love you, and you most certainly can't buy love. There is no love store at the mall. You can't find it on Amazon or eBay. You simply can't buy love. It's also true that you can't hurry love. We shouldn't rush into relationships, but should allow our affections to arise unhurried and simmered long to allow a proper evaluation of the relationship before plunging into a commitment that we might regret. Rushing into a relationship is like jumping off a cliff without knowing how deep the water is below. It is dangerous, and the outcome is not likely to be favorable. A good relationship is like a good stew. It has to have lots of time to simmer on low heat so that all the flavors can mingle and come together. Heating it rapidly to a boil over high heat might be exciting, but it just won't give the same results. Love and marriage are not for the faint of heart, nor for those who will not take them seriously. Being unequally yoked is not only forbidden by God, but it is also a sad disaster that can only be avoided by careful thought and slow, cautious steps. Love has to be allowed to ripen in its own time. Which is better? A rock hard, pale tomato purchased at the grocery store or a soft, juicy, vine ripened tomato from your own garden? Love has to be allowed to ripen in its own time. It can't be rushed. It can't be forced for the sake of convenience or because everyone else has someone, or because we are desperate to have someone in our life. And God forbid that we be tempted to think that having a boyfriend or a girlfriend, husband or wife, is the one thing that will bring real happiness and fulfillment. Give it time. Make sure you look for love in the right places and for the right reasons. And please don't be in such a hurry that you make a mistake.

This has been your thought for the day with Steve Burkham, pastor of Community Christian Church in Stockton, California. If you have questions or comments for Pastor Steve, please send them to Daily thoughtspodcast at. Have a great day, and we hope you'll join us tomorrow as Pastor Steve opens God's word to bring us another thought for the day.