Hey guys! It’s been a while, and I must admit- I’ve had a bit of a writer’s block here lately. Much of the work I do in the U.K is emotionally exhausting, but I thought I would share something that’s been on my heart, and happens to be very relevant to today’s culture- relationships. If you were to ask a group of people what the foundation of a good relationship is, most people would (hopefully) say communication. But how can we accurately communicate our needs in a relationship?

Love languages. Have you heard of these? Gary Chapman, a relationship and marriage counselor, came up with five ‘love languages,’ or ways that we show/receive love in our relationship with others. Here is a wonderful graphic summing up the Five Love Languages that Chapman outlines.

So, what does that have to do with anything? As many of you know, part of my job here is to plan and speak at chapel services for the students, and I was led to do a series on love. The first week, we covered self love. Last week, we went on to talk about how God’s love is without barriers (race, sexuality, etc.). This week, I wanted to talk about relationships, but sometimes with 40 teenagers in the room, it can get uncomfortable really quickly. I started to think about how important it is to know our partner’s-and our own- love language, and then it hit me: God demonstrates each love language to us perfectly in His Word. Hold onto your hats, folks.

Words of Affirmation: God is always encouraging us through Scripture, telling us to never be afraid (Isaiah 43:1). He also tells us that we are never forsaken (Hebrews 13:5). Talk about Holy Encouragement!

Physical Touch: If you think about it, Jesus touched so many people. My mind immediately went to the Unclean Woman, who was healed simply by touching the hem of Jesus’ garment. Perhaps her love language was physical touch! (Luke 8:43-48)

Quality Time: God invites us to spend quality time with Him, to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). He is miraculously always there for us. God craves fellowship with His creation, and He created us to crave that relationship with Him as well.

Receiving Gifts: This one is probably the most obvious out of all the illustrations. Everything that we have in this life is quite literally a gift from God Himself. It even says in James that, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above…” There’s not much denying that one!

And lastly, Gifts of Service: As Christians, we are commanded several times to serve one another in love. Jesus set the ultimate example of being a humble servant, so it is obvious that this is an important thing to God. I can think of several people in the Bible who’s love language may have been Acts of Service (Hello, Martha!).

So, what is so important about love languages in relation to my faith? The thing is, God knew exactly what we needed in relationship to Him and other people before we even figured it out! He has beautifully demonstrated how to show love to others in the way that they need it most. I get goosebumps thinking about how God meets so many of our needs before we even know that we have them, and I cannot fathom not trusting Him with every aspect of my future. I am so excited to share this in the chapel service on Sunday, and I would appreciate your prayers as I communicate what God has so clearly put on my heart.

Love God. Love Others.

Peace,

Cait