Public commitment breeds personal harmony - Song of Solomon 5-6

The problems that come up in relationships are as varied as the people who have them.   Solomon and his "Beloved" are obviously not immune to them.   She awakes to find him gone - he seems to be wandering.   But, despite that obvious conflict between them she expresses her commitment to him in 6:3 - "I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine, He who pastures his flock among the lilies."   This seems to be a verbal statement and made in public - in front of the naysayers who have come out to ridicule "her" for "his" wandering (6:1-2).   Because of her "public commitment" he seems to return and begins a deep and thoughtful praise of her (6:4ff), which in turn produced public praise of her later the same chapter.   Public commitment despite behavior seemed to produce harmony in the midst of conflict.   That is a formula for success in any relationship.   God produces harmony when we honor our commitments to Him.   He produces harmony when we keep our commitments to others.  But, it all must be based upon unconditional love.   She expressed it and it moved him to return and embrace her.