Language of Love

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.”

1 John 3:16

June is the month of romance, but my husband’s language of love doesn’t include romantic walks under the moonlight, holding hands. Ken doesn’t go for mushy sentiment. Watching a basketball game together is his idea of romance. But I’m not complaining. I’ve learned to appreciate his language of love, and along with it, an appreciation for baseball batting averages.

I’ve also learned the Lord’s language of love. When I tell Jesus that I love him, it has nothing to do with romance. But passion? Yes! My love for Jesus is not a syrupy sentiment, but it is definitely zealous and fervent, spirited and intense. When I praise him, I believe he deserves adoration filled with warmth and affection. When I sing to him, I want the melody to come right from my heart. I could never love him in an emotional vacuum.

This is the language of love between God and his creation. We should love him this way because this is how he loves us. Jesus could never, would never, lay his life down devoid of feeling. To love to the point of death is passion with a capital P! Talk about love that is fervent and spirited!

And here’s the point of today’s reading: This is the way we are to love our brothers and sisters.

Developing an artful language of love to the Lord will cost you something. It will cost you your pride and, most valued of all, your human logic. Throw your caution to the wind and invite the Spirit of God to fill your heart with the warmth and passion of praise.

Fill my heart with your language of love, Lord, and may I love others with the same warmth and affection I reserve for you.