Languages of Love
I recently read a book called 'The 5 Love Languages' by an author
called Gary Chapman (see www.5lovelanguages.com for more information). It seeks
to explain why sometimes our expressions of love towards others are either
ignored or misunderstood, describing how it's all down to the 'love
languages'that you and your partner speak. I tend to demonstrate my love by
'acts of service'-helping around the house, cooking my wife dinner -and
so on. The trouble is my wife's language is 'quality time', and so
she most readily understands my love for her when I take the time to sit down
and talk. Half an hour actually conversing with Lisa seems to be appreciated
significantly more than a whole day spent mowing the lawn or doing the washing.
The way to your partner's heart is to understand what language they speak,
and to communicate your love appropriately.
Why do I tell you this? Well, I've found the insights personally helpful and I think the wisdom within the book might deepen relationships and even save a marriage or two. In addition, however, it got me thinking about God's love language -how He shows His love for us, and how He likes us to express our love for Him. As advent approaches and Christmas draws nearer we are reminded that God's love isn't limited to words on the pages of the Bible, but is demonstrated to us 'with skin on'in the person of Jesus Christ. But how does God want us to express our love for Him? To me, it's clear that God understands a variety of love languages, and I'll illustrate that with reference to the two that I've already mentioned.
'Acts of Service'-Much of the Bible highlights that God cares about the way we treat the poor, and our love for them can be an expression of our love for Him. This year at RE:NEW, we'll again be sending shoeboxes to children living in poverty through Operation Christmas Child (www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk), and I know that at least one of the local schools will also be reaching out to those less fortunate than ourselves in this way. I am certain that God smiles at such acts of kindness, and if you would be interested in participating as well, then come along to one of our services and pick up a leaflet, or call me for more information.
'Quality Time'- Sometimes life can be so busy that we neglect to make opportunities to spend some 'quality time'with God; but often it's in those times of silence, prayer and reflection that we are able to gain a new perspective, or a sense of guidance about the things that are going on in our lives. We're now holding regular 'Quiet Days'at Lode Chapel and you'd be more than welcome to join us - the next two are on Saturdays 6th November and 4th December. Again call me, or email quietdays@lodechapel.org.uk for more information.