The sun had just poked its head over the horizon and I had just lifted mine off of the pillow. My slippered feet shuffled across the cold kitchen floor, on auto pilot, headed to the counter where the electric tea kettle–and the caffeine–live. On the speckled granite lay an unexpected message from my husband, hastily scribbled on the back of a discarded envelope:
My guy has a true servant’s heart. It’s his spiritual gift, his native tongue. “Acts of Service” are his “Love Language.”
Unfortunately, they’re not mine.
You’re familiar with “The Five Love Languages,” right? Author Gary Chapman writes:
After 30 years as a marriage counselor, I am convinced that there are five basic love languages – five ways to express love emotionally. Each person has a primary love language that we must learn to speak if we want that person to feel loved.”
According to Chapman, the five love languages are: Acts of Service, Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Gifts, and Physical Touch. You can read more about them and even take a handy quiz to help determine your love language at: www.5lovelanguages.com.
I believe my primary love language is “Words of Affirmation.” A sincere compliment can fill me up for a week. I love to send handmade cards and write encouraging notes. Words are my friends. (I also like “Gifts.” Gifts are my friends.)
Chris and I read “The Five Love Languages” shortly after the book came out in the mid-90’s. You’d think we’d be fluent in each other’s love languages by now. But we forget. We get lazy. Learning to speak a second language requires focus and determination. And practice.
My helpful hubby got some credit for the handwritten “note” on the back of the envelope that morning. But my heart sank a little when I realized it was only to tell me that he had filled up my car with gas, and not something more, well…inspiring.
Sigh.
Like I said, while I do appreciate them, “Acts of Service” are just not my love language.
And then the Holy Spirit spoke to the pouting child in me. In one of His love languages. The one called “A Gentle Rebuke.”
Ouch.
I’m not very fond of that love language either.
What He whispered to my critical heart sounded something like this:
You can demand that others love you a certain way. Or you can choose to receive the love they offer you in whatever form it takes. Because love is…love. This act of service sprang from a heart of love. Will you accept it or reject it? The choice is yours.
Standing at the kitchen counter at the start of that new day, I made a choice to accept it.
And to thank the Lord for a husband who finds joy in unselfish service. To receive the gracious gift of a full tank of gas. To let the power of those two little words, “Love you,” linger in my thoughts and penetrate my heart.
He loves me.
It’s all that matters.
Understanding our loved ones’ love languages can help us communicate more effectively. But really, I don’t think there’s anything in the Bible that insists love be spoken in a certain “language.” There’s only this:
…love one another deeply, from the heart. (1 Peter 1:22b, NIV)
Love deeply. From the heart.
There is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved.” (George Sand)
Just love, and be loved.
So simple, it needs no translation.
Oh my goodness! When I first saw the note Chris left you, my immediate reaction was, “how romantic!!!” You guessed it. I’m an “acts of service” kinda gal!
But what a sweet, gentle reminder from our Shepherd, “You can demand that others love you a certain way. Or you can choose to receive the love they offer you in whatever form it takes. Because love is…love. This act of service sprang from a heart of love. Will you accept it or reject it? The choice is yours.”
I find this a tough task sometimes- to choose the love others have given in the form they have given. The Lord has reminded me that the form of love He gives isn’t pretty, either. Dying on a cross after being beaten and scorn was gruesome! It didn’t look the way I would have chosen(Although, it definitely was the ultimate “act of service”!)! He also reminded me that it is a choice to receive His love or not. Ultimately, love is a choice! Great reminder of this truth today! Thanks Shelley!
Terri, thanks for sharing your thoughts and insights! So good! I love how you compared this to Christ’s love for us. It sparked this thought: A life of faith means choosing to believe He loves us, even when we don’t like the way He is expressing His love to us, and especially when we don’t FEEL His love for us.
Yes! that was exactly what I was thinking, but you do such a better job at conveying it!
You did just fine! Thanks for inspiring me! 🙂
That brought a tear to my eye. I’ve been struggling with that myself. Thank you for sharing!
You are welcome, Barb! Glad it was a timely word!
I loved this post, Shelley. From a woman who misses the acts of service I used to get from my honey, I thought right away of how I used to take his love language for granted or think why isn’t it more romantic? In our early years he would give me tires or other car parts for Christmas gifts and I would get so upset with him. What I wouldn’t give to have him here with his sweet gifts of service. My comfort is that he is now giving his acts of service to his Savior!! Sometimes we don’t fully realize what we have until it’s gone….
Beautiful, Shelley! I chuckled at the part of the Holy Spirit’s language – the Gentle Rebuke…
Thanks for the reminder to keep learning (and using) our loved ones’ languages!
Much love on this love day!
Patti, thank you for sharing your touching reflections and wisdom. I will take your words to heart! Prayers for continued comfort as you miss your sweet hubby. Hugs.
You are welcome, Ingrid! Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment! Happy Love Day to you!
Really great reminder, Shelley!
Thanks, Gina, for always taking the time to read my ramblings and being so encouraging!