Daily Digest: Capstone Capsule

“My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth” – 1 John 3:18

Gary Chapman’s “Five Love Languages” highlights the relational IMPACT of LOVE: “My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18). It practically applies scriptural principles of selfless love to improve relationships by capturing how individuals express and receive affection. The Five Love Languages are: Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time, and Physical Touch. It is proposed that individuals have a primary way of feeling loved, and understanding this language allows for more effective and meaningful expression of love in relationships. 

Although the term “love language” itself is not found in the Bible, Chapman’s approach is buoyed by scriptural principles of selflessness and caring for others. For instance, loving Jesus means keeping His commandments, aligning with Acts of Service as a key biblical expression of love: “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. ^“But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?” (vv.16-17). Matthew 20:28 also states: “Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Here are brief nuggets on Gary Chapman's Five Languages:

Words of Affirmation: Expressing love through verbally appreciating, admiring, and building each other up.

Acts of Service: Showing love by serving or helping others; doing helpful actions for someone, such as chores or errands. 

Gift Giving and Receiving: Communicating care through thoughtful giving and grateful receiving. 

Quality Time: Giving focused high-quality attention and undivided time to another person. 

Physical Touch: Expressing love through appropriate physical contact, like hugs, hand-holding, or a comforting touch. 

The Impact of Love Languages comprises: promoting selflessness, strengthening relationships, and fostering understanding. The principle of love languages encourages looking out for others' interests, a concept echoed in Philippians 2:4, "Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Individuals are encouraged to focus on the needs and feelings of their loved ones rather than only on their own preferences. By speaking a partner's primary love language, a deeper emotional connection can be fostered to help them feel truly loved. The concept provides a framework for understanding why some people feel unloved, even when their partners are expressing affection, which can reduce conflict. 

In essence, actions speak louder than words, God communicates His Love through various “languages” and we experience Him more profoundly when we encounter His love in our primary language.