"Love Language"

“Love Language”

 

In 1995 Pastor and Marriage Counselor Gary Chapman wrote The Five Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts which became a New York Times best seller. His thesis is that each of us primarily responds to love expressed to us in one of five ways: words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service and physical touch. Dr. Chapman maintains that understanding another’s “love language” (especially one’s spouse’s) leads to stronger relationships and greater marriage stability. Each of us would do well to prayerfully consider how we can best show our love to our husband or wife as well as to those close to us (“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”—Philippians 2:4).

In a recent message at our church Dr. Chris Owens of Southeastern University challenged the congregation to think about what God’s “love language” is—in other words, how we can best express our affection for Him. While there are many ways we can serve Him and others (“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”—Galatians 6:2) Jesus summed it up best when He said, “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” (John 14:15). So I believe it’s fair to say that God’s “love language” is the submission of His followers to His desires.

The Scriptures give numerous blessings growing out of His people’s obedience including being His treasured possessions (Exodus 19:5), prolonged life (1 Kings 3:14), contentment (Job 36:11) and answered prayer (1 John 3:21-22). Conversely, the Word gives warnings of the consequences of disobedience (see Deuteronomy 28:15; Ephesians 5:6; 2 Thessalonians 1:8). So it doesn’t take rocket science to figure out that heeding God’s words leads to better living than not doing so.

But is it the good things we get or the ill effects we might suffer that’s our primary motivation for doing what God says? If so we’ve missed the point of Jesus’ words because not long before He had said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37). Put another way, we’re to love and obey Him because of who He is. That’s the “love language” He understands best. Am I speaking it to Him?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan