My love language
Have you ever heard of the “five love languages”? (The author of the book and the assessment, Dr. Gary Chapman, made the NY Times Best Sellers list.) I took the assessment and it confirmed what I pretty much already knew about myself; my love language is words of affirmation. (See the link below.) Sounds simple enough, a few words of encouragement or appreciation and I can experience love on a different level.
Jakub, my husband, is typically very considerate of me and after 19 years of marriage he not only understands my love language but he makes great effort to speak to me in my language. Sometimes he leaves for work before the sun comes up but every morning for the past two years I’ve gone to the kitchen and found a fresh pot of coffee waiting for me. He even goes so far as to take out the sugar bowl and a spoon for me; leaving them on the counter right by the coffee pot. It may not be written in ink but that morning cup of Bustello is critical (trust me!) and it says I love you loud and clear. Those of you who receive love in a different language might not be as enthusiastic about a cup of coffee but for me this is a well-written love letter.
Today, however, he took it a step further. He grabbed one of my post-it pads and left a few thoughtfully placed, hand written love notes for me to find. There was one on the coffee pot, one on the table and one tucked away on the inside of my laptop…my first three stops every morning! By the time I opened my laptop to start my daily devotional I was absolutely giddy! Jakub knew it was an intense week for me and I wasn’t feeling so hot so this was really thoughtful and, by the time he got home tonight I was still giggling. Not just because he took the time to write a few notes but because I knew that this was his way of trying to make it better for me in a way he knew I’d appreciate. (Thank you Lord for a thoughtful husband!)
God’s love language
Tonight, as I’m reflecting on how significant those cups of coffee are in my life and how much I appreciated the love notes, I’m reminded about God’s love. When I think about the 5 love languages; words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service and physical touch, I realize that God speaks to me in my love language too.
The Bible is full of words of affirmation (e.g. He tells me He knew me before I was in my mother’s womb-Jeremiah 1:5, He tells me that He has always had a plan for my life-Jeremiah 29:11, He repeatedly tells me that He loves me and that I’m His child-1 John 3:1, He tells me I am wonderfully made-Psalm 139:14, and that He protects me with His wings-Psalm 91 etc.).
When was the last time you were told you that you were “wonderfully made” or that you were loved with a love that could never be severed-Romans 8:39 AND KNOW that the person saying it truly meant it? I could probably list one hundred verses to show how God speaks my love language but I think you get the picture.
This Easter weekend, it seems fitting, as we reflect on God’s ultimate demonstration of love, to challenge you. First, I have to ask, do you know what your love language is? If you don’t, take the assessment, it will only take a few minutes. Then I’d encourage you to think about God’s love for you. Have you thought about how He communicates His love to you in your love language? Take the quiz and think about it. It will likely take your relationship to a new level.
Not only did He give His son for you but He’s taken lots of extra steps too to make sure you know just how much He loves you. You know, the moon to light the night, the sun, the stars, the sound of laughter, a fresh breeze on a hot day. If you look around you’ll find lots of little love notes all around.
TAKE THE LOVE LANGUAGE TEST HERE!
Sarah says
i love this!
Diana Denis says
awesome! glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
Unknown says
I love that book! Such a simple concept that has such a far-reaching impact. And I love the way you say God speaks our love language, too. Thanks, Diana!