In episode 150, “Seeing God Through Love Languages”, we talk with Janet Watson about how God shows us love through each of the five love languages. We also discuss how to show God our love for Him through these 5 love languages. We begin our book study mini series over Gary Chapman’s, The 5 Love Languages in episode 141. Learn how to strengthen all of your relationships (not just with your significant other) with the secret to love that lasts.
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Words of Affirmation
One of the best ways God gives us words of affirmation is through His written work, the Bible! As Christians, the more we can consume the Bible, the more we’ll have God’s word in the forefront of our minds. A question we like to ask our listeners is, ” How do we know who God is, if we don’t take the time to read about Him?” Take advantage of His written words, promises, and encouragement to us. The more time we spend in the scriptures daily, the more likely and clearly we’ll hear God speaking to us. The verse below is a great reminder of why we need to connect with God through scripture on a daily basis.
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Romans 12:2
One advantage of taking time to sit with God’s word, is that it helps us avoid the comparison trap. We dive into this multiple times throughout this episode, so be sure to scroll back up and hit play. If we only rely on others to tell us who God is (church, friends, the culture around us, etc) we will only hear secondhand information. Think about how impractical that is for a second. Have you every played the telephone game sitting in a circle with your friends, and by the time the message goes around, it’s completely wrong? Let’s go straight to the source first and then use our churches, sermons, church groups to discuss and dive deeper.
When seeing God through love languages, specifically words of affirmation, journaling is huge help in getting to know God’s character. Research shows that writing information down helps us retain it better, thus making it easier to remember God’s truth and who He says He is (and who we are).
When experiencing life, we need a God filter (see verses below). Janet, our interviewee, gives a great analogy about how God comes in and works on helping us grow. In this episode, we also go over multiple ways to keep your time with God fresh, exciting, and fun.
Quality Time
Seeing God through love languages, like quality time, will help us not only grow closer to God, but help us point others back to Christ. We make time for the things we care about and prioritize. If “not having enough time” is a struggle, we strongly encourage you to do a time audit and work out your priorities. We give multiple tips on how to make time for God with your already crowded schedule (here are some of many):
- Praying while you wash dishes
- Listen to the Daily Audio Bible while folding laundry
- Practicing gratitude on your commute/school pick up line
“Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”
Colossians 3:17
Quality time with God doesn’t mean volunteer for every church activity possible. This is where listening to the Holy Spirit helps. Serve where you are called to be served. This may mean inside your home, while at work, or it could mean parking lot duty at church. Do whatever God is prompting you to do. There is a reason you are being called there, even if you don’t understand why. God has specifically designed you for a purpose, so don’t count yourself out!
Gifts
Experiencing and seeing God through love languages is a gift in itself. But even better news, God gave us the greatest gift of all, and that is salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.”
John 3:16
If you’re wondering what gifts God has given us, jut take a look around. You can even start with the basics close to you: health, life, provision, etc… Then you can move to loved ones around you, nature, and every good thing you can think of on Earth. If it’s good, it’s from God.
“Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.”
James 1:17
Let’s be people who are grateful and appreciative; that starts with the little things. Need more ideas for the gifts God has given? Watch your children in their wonder. Never lose the amazement of living this life for Him.
God also equips us with unique giftings that we are called to use to point others back to Jesus. If you’re unsure of your gifts, download this FREEBIE and it’ll get your mind moving in the right direction. In your prayer time, you can ask God to reveal to you your skill sets, natural talents, and passions. We discuss multiple ways these giftings come to fruition in daily life, so be sure to scroll back up and listen to episode 150, “Seeing God Through Love Languages.”
Acts of Service
Throughout our Love Language Mini Series, we talk about how the languages can intertwine and complement each other. Jesus’ sacrifice was a gift, and also very much an act of service. The many miracles and wonders performed throughout the Bible should spur us on to be servant minded, helping those around us. Again, we give many examples on how this looks in life today, so scroll up and press the “play” button to hear.
“Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16
The way we live and how we conduct ourselves should always point back to the goodness of God. We are called to be set apart and stand out in a positive way. What we do, how we serve, and how we love others well should all reflect the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ.
You have an influence on the people around you, so don’t miss opportunities to train up those you lead. Help them to be able to see and capitalize on those opportunities of growth. Train them see faith in action along with demonstrating, modeling, and leveraging your faith. practice what love looks like in those hard situations too. Be intentional because one doesn’t just magic their way into being kind or reflecting God.
Physical Touch
If you’ve read or heard of some of the major stories in the Bible, it can be easy to point out times God has physicaly moved on behalf of His people (the Red Sea parting, Jesus’ miracles, etc…). Since we’re on this side of Christ’s resurrection and in the 21st century, sometimes we can make the mistake of thinking God isn’t physically intervening. We’ve got to change that negative mindset, because is moving all around us!
Take a look around and see all the wonderful things God is doing. Not only is doing amazing things all of the time, He’s also given us the gift of the Holy Spirit; all we have to do is just listen and follow the nudges. Following the promptings of the Holy Spirit can be full of ways God shows His love for us (through the acts of others).
In episode 150, “Seeing God Through Love Languages”, Janet gives multiple examples of how God is physically moving, so be sure to scroll back up and press play to hear her amazing “God nod” stories. Remember that we all face wilderness seasons. Take some time to reflect, recharge, and go forth making much of Jesus.
“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for the one who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He proves to be One who rewards those who seek Him.”
Hebrews 11:6
We hope you enjoyed episode 150, “Seeing God Through Love Languages” and that you have practical, actionable steps you can take. Be sure to check out this entire 5 Love Languages mini series about how to strengthen all of your relationships (not just your significant other) with the keys to love that lasts. You can do this! We’re here to help. Click the affiliate image below to get your copy of Gary Chapman’s book.
Links From the Show
- The 5 Love Languages (book)
- The 5 Love Languages Mini Series
- 21 Kicks Journals
- Atomic Habits Mini Series
- Comparison Trap Bible Study
- Tara-Leigh Cobble Episode
- Autumn Miles Episode
- Daily Audio Bible
- Gratitude Journal
- Passions & Giftings Finder FREEBIE
5 Love Languages Resources
- The 5 Love Languages (book)
- The 5 Love Languages of Children (book)
- The 5 Love Languages: Singles Edition (book)
- The 5 Love Languages of Teenagers (book)
- The 5 Love Languages for Men (book)
- The 5 Love Languages of Military (book)
- The 5 Appreciation Languages of the Workplace (book)
- The 5 Love Languages, Small Group book study
- A Teen’s Guide to The 5 Love Languages
Awesome