Luke 6:38
“Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”
Have you heard of the 5 Love Languages? It’s a popular book paired with a test. I was written with the intent to not only help others learn about yourself, but also their spouse, friends, or family members. By reading the book and taking the test, you can discover the ways in which you feel most loved and appreciated. Personally, my “love language” is receiving gifts. This isn’t based on greed, and it’s not simply because I like getting things from other people. I just truly think it’s special when someone goes out of their way to buy something for you or when they see something on a day out and it reminds them of you.
Well, yesterday, one of my fellow coworkers tuned into my top love language without even knowing it. I was supposed to spend my evening connecting with her for a night of prayer, but unfortunately, I got sick and was unable to do so. Knowing I wasn’t feeling well, she sacrificed her time to find a church that would provide her with communion for me. She then packed it with a journal and colored pencils and drove thirty-five minutes to drop it off at my house. I CRIED! How incredibly thoughtful. How kind. How selfless. To me, this wasn’t just utilizing a love language, it was an act of Christ. Every time we use a love language, it’s an act of Christ (provided we are intentionally speaking and acting in favor of our Lord).
Now, I used a verse from Luke chapter six for this devotional. It clearly states, “Give, and it will be given to you.” While genuine giving is a Christian act, and while giving is always more important than receiving, I think any act—giving, serving, praying—anything done in love, is a love language that represents Christianity. What my coworker did for me spoke the language of Christ. When you pray for others, you’re speaking a language of Christ. When you see someone in need and find yourself looking for ways to help, you are speaking a language of Christ. When you encourage others, lifting them up and rejoicing in their success, you are speaking a language of Christ. Anything you do or say that is rooted in love is a Christian love language.
I’m sure I don’t need to tell you all the ways in which you can speak the language Christ, but if you sometimes struggle and wonder whether or not your actions represent those of a Christian, ask yourself: Did my words, actions, and intentions come from my heart? Did I say or do this with kindness? Did I give others my whole self, with the intent to better someone else? Today, make it a point to intentionally speak the language of Christ by doing something for someone else, to glorify Him.