Most people demonstrate and experience love in one of five ways: through words of affirmation, gift giving, acts of service, physical touch, or quality time. These are called the five love languages. All five originate with God and flow from His love. He speaks all five languages fluently.
The Bible is filled with God’s words of affirmation. He verbalized His love to us in John 3:16 and dozens of other passages. We need to look no further than Christmas for evidence of God’s gift-giving. Ephesians 2:4-6 reminds us that He gave us the greatest gift when He sent His Son.
His act of service is what the cross is all about. Romans 5:8 tells us Christ paid our penalty. Follow the life of Jesus, and you’ll see Him demonstrating physical touch over and over again. And passages such as James 4:8 clarify that God is ready to spend quality time with all who want it. Turn your thoughts toward Him, and you’ll find His thoughts are already on you.
Since God is fluent in all five love languages, He is uniquely equipped to help you discover yours - or your spouse’s.
Take time to talk to the Lord…
Thank Him for the variety of ways in which He communicates to you;
Ask Him to give you the wisdom to recognize His love, even when it’s communicated in a language you don’t speak;
Ask Him to guide you in helping others recognize and understand God’s love languages.
Reflect on questions about your application to love languages.
Give an example of a time God communicated to you in your primary love language.
Which love language is most difficult for you to understand? Why?
How can you help your spouse or kids recognize God’s love?
Consider these passages for further study of God’s Love.
Zephaniah 3:17 For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.
Galatians 2:20 My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
I John 4:7-8 Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.