God’s Love Language
“Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome. For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.” (1 John 5:3-4 NLT)
The Five Love Languages, by Gary Chapman, is a popular book that categorizes five primary ways that individuals express and receive love. According to this author, common love languages are: words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch.
I read this book a long time ago. Figuring out how I receive and express love was interesting to think about. If I had to pick one of these five, I would say giving my time and attention to people are my love languages. But my true expressions of love are not even on this list. For me, consistency, loyalty, honesty, faithfulness--this is how I show love and receive love. This made me wonder: What is God’s love language? How does HE receive love?
“If you love me, obey my commandments.” (John 14:15 NLT)
I think obedience is God’s love language.
The commandments are God’s way of keeping us from straying into trouble. Imagine a loving father who asks his young child to hold his hand while crossing a busy street. If the child rebels and decides to do his own thing, he could get hit by oncoming traffic. This world and everything in it is like crossing a multilane freeway. Evil comes at humanity from every direction. The commandments are our Father’s way of keeping us safe and close to Him.
Jesus modeled sacrificial love. And He instructed us to follow His example. He taught us to love God and others selflessly. He showed us how to surrender our self-interests, to accept our crosses, and to obey God.
The Holy Spirit empowers us with wisdom to hear God’s specific instructions to us in the moment. Learning to listen takes practice. It also requires us to be quiet and free of distractions.
God expresses His love to us in so many ways. He sent His Son to die for us while we were still sinners. Like a Good Shepherd, He guides us, protects us, and provides for us. He wants us to be in a covenant relationship with Him. May we express our love to our Lord through trusting obedience.