April 30 – What’s Your Love Language?
2:120 – What’s Your Love Language?

#faithbites #faithjourney language

(Slight trigger warning as this deals with a bit of sexual content)

When you think of a love language, what do you think of? Barry White, Issac Hayes, Prince, Kama Sutra? Maybe you think more romantic like French or Paris or chocolates and strawberries. While these can all be part of love making, this is only one piece of what love is.

Today, I was listening to the Known Legacy Podcast and they we’re discussing having awkward conversations with your wife. While sex is one way of being intimate it doesn’t cover the emotions behind it necessarily. For instance, if you aren’t speaking your partners love language, the act isn’t usually going to happen or be mutually beneficial.

They discuss the five love languages:

  • receiving gifts
  • quality time
  • words of affirmation
  • acts of service (devotion)
  • Physical touch

If we show our love in one way but want it back in another or if our family and friends speak differently than we receive we can have broken relationships and a feeling of isolation.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Scripture
  • Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins1 Peter 4:8
  • Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for herEphesians 5:25
  • Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselvesRomans 12:9-10
Reflection

Scripture is pretty clear that all love comes from God (1 John 4:7). We also know that God created us in his image even though we are different. With that how we share out love must be tailored to those who we love. We need to honor, be sincere in our love, and love each other as much as Christ loves us.

That’s a pretty tall order if I say so myself. I know I have failed many times at loving people properly. I’m a big hugger and I want to help. For me, I show love through physical touch and service to others. But many times, people don’t want a hug or they don’t want me to help. In the past, I’ve done it anyone which while I think I’m showing them love, it’s actually to hurting them.

Likewise, nothing ticks me off more than housework or laundry things that need to be done and they aren’t. A hug or a gift isn’t going to help me if the service isn’t done.

As we love each other and our God, we need to examine our love language to make sure it’s appropriate for those we adore. Then sex, touch, time, gifts and the other benefits of come more to fruition as we are interacting on a deeper level.

Charge

How do you show love? Have you talked with your partner, children, and friends to see if they have the same language as you? If it is different than how you normally show love, make a conscious effort to change how you give love so it matches. This will then build your relationship as it shows the loved you care enough to love them in the way they want to be loved.

Prayer

Merciful God, thank you for love. This most powerful of emotions allow us to show you and others how we care for them. Help us to learn their love language as we share ours. Give us the patience and skill to modify how we demonstrate love so it is received in the way it is intended. Remind us to love as Christ loves us. In your name, Amen.

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