The Language of Love

#1 · February 12, 2004, 1:25 pm

Quote from Forum Archives on February 12, 2004, 1:25 pm
Posted by: Asn <Asn@...>

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. John 15:12 NIV

Have you read the book, "The Five Love Languages," by Gary Chapman*? Thanks(!) to my dear friend, Karen, I am currently enjoying that privilege, and highly recommend it to each of you. If you have any close relationships in your life (or desire to have them), you will benefit from this book.

The concept is pretty simple. There are five basic love languages, or ways of expressing love. You "hear" love in your particular language. Someone can shower you with love continually, but if it is not "spoken" in your love language, you are more likely to feel annoyed than loved. If, for example, your language is gifts, you may hear affirming words, but you'll probably feel that "talk is cheap." If your language is quality time, you may feel that acts of service are a cheap imitation for "real love."

I believe it is also true that we tend to give what we want to receive. If your spouse seems happiest just being in the same room, perhaps their love language is quality time. If they are constantly picking wildflowers for you or bringing home trinkets, their love language may be gifts. If they love holding hands and sitting close, their love language is probably touch.

If you wish to "speak" love to someone else, it is important that you say it in their language instead of your own; otherwise, you're speaking German to someone who may only understand Swahili. Learning to speak Swahili may be challenging for you. You may even see it as a worthless endeavor. But it will be anything but worthless to the person with that language. If the love you're trying to give isn't being met with the response you were hoping for, maybe you need to say it in another language.

Heavenly Father, in a day when relationships are at risk, please help me to love as Jesus loved - in ways that touch the heart and affirm those I love. My love isn't perfect and too often I fail at this, but I'm trying to learn. Thank You, Father, for Your precious, priceless, passionate love for me. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Have a blessed Valentine's Day!

Andrea Neumann

* This is not intended as a review of the book. I could in no way do it justice here.

Posted by: Asn <Asn@...>

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. John 15:12 NIV

Have you read the book, "The Five Love Languages," by Gary Chapman*? Thanks(!) to my dear friend, Karen, I am currently enjoying that privilege, and highly recommend it to each of you. If you have any close relationships in your life (or desire to have them), you will benefit from this book.

The concept is pretty simple. There are five basic love languages, or ways of expressing love. You "hear" love in your particular language. Someone can shower you with love continually, but if it is not "spoken" in your love language, you are more likely to feel annoyed than loved. If, for example, your language is gifts, you may hear affirming words, but you'll probably feel that "talk is cheap." If your language is quality time, you may feel that acts of service are a cheap imitation for "real love."

I believe it is also true that we tend to give what we want to receive. If your spouse seems happiest just being in the same room, perhaps their love language is quality time. If they are constantly picking wildflowers for you or bringing home trinkets, their love language may be gifts. If they love holding hands and sitting close, their love language is probably touch.

If you wish to "speak" love to someone else, it is important that you say it in their language instead of your own; otherwise, you're speaking German to someone who may only understand Swahili. Learning to speak Swahili may be challenging for you. You may even see it as a worthless endeavor. But it will be anything but worthless to the person with that language. If the love you're trying to give isn't being met with the response you were hoping for, maybe you need to say it in another language.

Heavenly Father, in a day when relationships are at risk, please help me to love as Jesus loved - in ways that touch the heart and affirm those I love. My love isn't perfect and too often I fail at this, but I'm trying to learn. Thank You, Father, for Your precious, priceless, passionate love for me. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Have a blessed Valentine's Day!

Andrea Neumann

* This is not intended as a review of the book. I could in no way do it justice here.