Learn all about the five Love Languages here.

In her recent essay in the New York Times, author Lisa Taddeo takes up the timely subject of “love languages.”  First described 30 years ago by Pastor Gary Chapman, these five different ways of expressing/desiring expressions of love from another, have continued to provide insight into the dynamics of our closest relationships.  Taddeo bemoans how her husband’s primary language is physical touch, “a favorite among men,” while her own preference is for acts of service, like “disposing of the dead Christmas tree.”

My wife also leans towards acts of service as she expresses and prefers to receive love.  Indeed, she is generous in the countless ways she tends to those whom she loves.  And I know how much she loves it when I just do all the things… without having to be asked… again.  I, on the other hand, favor quality time (yes, also physical touch). This would explain why I love sitting next to her, at the table, on the couch, in the car but also just really want her to put the phone down and pay attention to me.

As people of faith, we cannot ignore how much our understanding of love is deeply connected with our experience of the divine.  I have preached many times of how the transformative power of God’s love has been primarily experienced in and through the relationships that have blessed me in my life.  Taking time to understand how love speaks to us and how love might best be spoken to another then is a pathway to coming to understand God’s very self.  What could be a better way to spend one part of this Valentine’s Day?

Even if you’ve taken the quiz before, take a few minutes today to complete this quiz (it’s quick, it’s free and you don’t have to sign up for anything).  Share your results with someone who is important in your life and wonder together how your relationship might be made even stronger by what is revealed.  Finally, consider how God’s love might be at work in the life you share with each other.

May God’s peace come to you this day. -Pastor Peter

Let us pray… God your love speaks to us every day.  Help us to become more fluent in the ways we understand your love and the love we share with others.  Inspire us to expand on the love we offer, binding us ever more strongly to each other and to you.  Amen.