The Love Languages of Christ

When I was in junior high, I always used to hear my parents talking about the concept of "love languages", a term created by Dr. Gary Chapman. Being the dramatic, boy crazy and attention stealing teenage girl I once used to be, the concept of Love Languages always excited me. I daydreamed about the various ways in which my "perfect" guy would sweep me off my feet, whisper sweet words, and romance me to make me feel loved, worthy and secure. I soon began researching the various five forms of love languages and began to match them up with what I believed I was most drawn to. In order, I began to identify to which I followed the most.

1. Physical Touch
2. Quality Time
3. Words of Affirmation
4. Acts of Service
5. Gifts

This idea of love languages caused me to project my self into a world of "hopeless romantic syndrome". I was in love with being in love. I soon began to find myself in empty relationships where I changed myself into whomever that boy wanted me to be for them. I would get hurt, stumble, and yet always seemed to be in the continuous cycle of desiring relationships to fill an empty spot in my life.

By the time I reached my freshman year of high school, my heart had been given away one too many times, my dignity was shaken, and my identity was tossed around into several guys who I don't even speak to anymore. I desired change; I desired fulfillment. I recognized that the love languages that I believed I was drawn to led me to a belief that only a guy could fill that void to make me feel adored and loved. I thought that the only way that these love languages would be spoken is through a boy. However, I have understood that these love languages that I feel can be filled by my Heavenly Father: the one who loves me, cherishes me, accepts me, desires me, knows me, and... ROMANCES me.

Physical Touch: For so long I thought that there was no way that I could be fulfilled in this sense if it wasn't from a guy holding my hand, hugging me when I'm scared, or cuddling on the couch watching a movie. Boy, was I wrong. Jesus Christ romances my desire for physical touch in a way that never leaves me empty, lonely, or guilty. His embrace is always open. I am safe in His arms. This security alone is something I will never find in an earthly relationship. "We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life." (1 John 1:1)

Quality Time: This love language speaks for itself; I crave conversation, someone who will listen, understand me, and time in which I feel respected. Growing up I had always heard "read your bible every day" and it is so true. God wants me to converse with him; He desires to know my struggles, my fears, my insecurities. He wants  me to talk to Him with integrity like I can do with my closest friend. Because, God will never leave me NOR forsake me. That is a promise that no guy can fulfill. "If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me." (Jeremiah 29:13)

Words of Affirmation: This language is very accessible and given to me in the Bible. However, I have found that the wordless affirmation is sometimes greater to me. Whether its the sunset on the beach, the birds chirping in the morning, or the gorgeous scenery around me, I feel affirmed and romanced by God. He calms me down, cheers me up, and even whispers sweet things in my ear like I had dreamed about since I was a little girl. "Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord,for our hope is in you alone." (Psalm 33:22)

In Christ, I am:
Secure. Worthy. Protected. Safe. Important. Loved. Understood. Accepted. Free. Cherished. Hopeful. Treasured. Romanced. Redeemed.