We Are Loveable Because

Previously I have mentioned something that has helped me tremendously in the past few years, the concept of five love languages. The idea is that love is expressed in five basic ways, and that each of us is most able to receive love in one of those ways.

The author of the books that cover the subject in detail claims that there are two types of people who will have difficulty discovering which language they are most receptive to: the people who have rarely or never felt loved, and the people who have consistently felt loved for a long time.

Apparently I didn't fit into either category, because I pinpointed my language almost immediately, and haven't observed anything in the years since to cause me to doubt my original conclusion. I am, however, noticing an interesting phenomenon.

The deeper my true knowledge of God's love becomes, the less noticeable my leaning toward "my" love language. Before, I was skeptical of compliments; now I receive them readily and take them at face value-even if I don't exactly bank on them! I used to try to earn gifts, but now I can accept them and simply be thankful and enjoy them. I have, in the past, resisted asking for or receiving help, but no more! Hugs and touches come readily now, too.

Isn't that odd? One might think that the more love I receive from God, the less love I would need (and thus receive) from people, but in fact the reverse is true. The greater my knowledge of God's love, the more love I can receive from people. You can speak your love to me any old way you want to, and I'll probably be able to figure out what you're saying.

I remember a poster of a cute little puppy that I had on my wall for years as a teenager. It said "We are loveable, Lord, because you loved us." No, that's not in the Bible. It's true, though, anyway.

I don't understand it, but the more love we need, the more walls we build to protect ourselves from love. A child that has been well loved from infancy generally has fewer repelling mannerisms and habits. You've probably been around "demanding" children (which usually means their love needs are not being met) and-unless God has given you the grace to reach out to such children-you've felt the urge to slap them or ignore them and not love them. Their very need for love causes them to act in such a way that you are repelled.

That doesn't end when a child reaches adulthood. Take a look at the most annoying people you know, and then take a closer look. I can almost guarantee you that these people feel unloved.

I can be a conduit of God's love, but the bottom line is that if I want to be whole, I must know God's love. And if you want to be whole, you must know it, too.

If this message has been forwarded to you, and you would like to be added to Charissa’s mailing list please send your request to info@charissaschalk.com. Thank you.