10/25/2020 - Love Language
Love for God is Keeping His Commandments
Gary Chapman wrote a famous book called "The 5 Love Languages." In it he argues that a person receives love in one of five ways: 1) words of affection, 2) quality time, 3) acts of service, 4) gifts given or 5) physical touch. The trick comes in knowing what your own "love language" is, and then in knowing what your spouse's (or anyone else you love) "love language" is so that you can express love to them on their terms, not yours.
Have you ever wondered what God's "love language" is? How do you show God that you love him? How does God receive love from you? God is a spirit, so that would rule out physical touch. If we buy him gifts or express our gratitude in words of affection, will that make him “feel loved” by us?
Today’s lessons provide a commentary on our love of God and our neighbor. John puts it succinctly: “And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands (2 John 6).” Matthew summarizes God’s commandments this way, “Love God above everything else, and love your neighbor as yourself.” Love is never defined inside our own head or heart. It’s defined by God in his Word.
Putting love into practice - that’s what God does best! And God is fluent in EVERY love language. He so loved the world that he gave us his Son (John 3:16, “gifts given”). But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8, “sacrificial acts of service”). How great is the love our Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God (1 John 3:1, “words of affection”)? And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:20, “quality time”).
God bless your worship.
Second reading: 2 John 1-6 Love is walking in obedience to God's commands
Gospel: Matthew 22:34-46 The greatest commandment is to love God
Sermon text: Genesis 4:1-16
Sermon theme: Love Language