Editor’s note:  We realize that the reality of COVID-19 may directly impact your ability to practice some of these suggestions immediately.  We encourage you to please use wisdom and caution as you consider how to best interact with your family, friends and neighbors, but we still feel this is a helpful message to share.  

During Jesus’ final days on earth, as He uttered His final teachings before his arrest and death on the cross, He told His children to love one another.  “Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)  So, we pray this serves to “stir up one another to love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24) and ignites your creativity to think of new ways to love each other well during this unique time in history.  

~

If you’re anything like me, you probably have friends in your life who are so good at sending gifts on your birthday or the occasional note in the mail.  Or maybe they always have the right thing to say to uplift your spirits.

In learning about my love languages, I’ve learned how I show love and how I prefer to receive love based on Gary Chapman’s book and method, The 5 Love Languages. For me, I love quality time and acts of service.

But there have been times that I would love to be better at the other love languages, whether it’s so I can love a friend better through their own love language or just find creative ways to practice a new language. So, here are some ways you can practice a new love language!

Acts of Service 

For these people, actions speak louder than words.

• Cook a meal for a group of friends.
• What are you good at? Try offering your service to someone for free.
• Ask a friend or family member for their errand list or to-do list. Then, check off a few items for them.
• Offer to babysit for a parent you know so they can run errands, go on a date or have some self-care time.

“Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” (1 John 3:18)

Physical Touch

To this person, nothing speaks more deeply than appropriate touch.

• Purchase a massage for a friend.
• Hold hands with someone while praying.
• Hug a friend who needs it.

“Greet one another with the kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.” (1 Peter 5:14)

Words of Affirmation

This language uses words to affirm people.

• Send some snail mail to a friend to tell them why they are special to you.
• Put post-it notes on the mirrors in bathrooms at work, the coffee shop or home sharing uplifting messages or encouraging words.
• Practice gratitude – tell a friend or loved one what you appreciate about them. Thank them, and be specific!
• Tell a hard-working friend what you admire about them.

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Gift Giving

For some people, what makes them feel most loved is to receive a gift.

• Buy coffee for the person behind you.
• Pick up extra of your favorite *fill in the blank* next time you’re at the grocery store. Give it to a friend with a note, “Was thinking of you. Hope you like this; it’s my favorite!”
• Host a cookie exchange – everyone gets to bring home cookies!
• Sign a friend up for a subscription box.

“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.” (Acts 4:32)

Quality Time

This language is all about giving the other person your attention.

• Host a reading party. Get your friends over with a stack of books, some comfy pillows and blankets. Then, light some candles, and just read.
• Go out to lunch with a friend and keep your phone in your purse. Undivided attention!
• Give 10 minutes of your day to someone – just a 10-minute phone call, Facetime, coffee break, etc.
• Spend time wandering a museum with a friend – you don’t have to be chatty to practice quality time.
• Schedule a regular meet-up with a friend or significant other. Whether it’s a monthly date night or a bi-weekly coffee date, schedule it so it happens.

“And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts” (Acts 2:46)

 

May we be women who love with purpose, intentionality, and creativity. May the world see the way we love and be changed.  May we build each other up and stir one another on to love and good works. Love is always worth our time. 

~

What new and fresh ways can you begin to show love to your family, friends and community?

How might you also show up for your followers and peers on social media and love them well?