You don't have to be bilingual or even multilingual to understand this post. Nonetheless, Easter speaks every language—including the love languages!
Why is Easter a Big Deal?
Easter is the very hope on which the Christian faith is built upon. It all comes from the Son of God: Jesus Christ. He was born to a virgin, and lived a blameless, sinless life. However, people in his day thought that he was blasphemous because he claimed to be the Son of God. The religious leaders of the day convinced the people that Jesus was a criminal who needed to die for his treachery, so the Roman soldiers nailed his hands and feet to a cross, that he would die a slow and painful death.
You might be thinking, why would this be a day of celebration if it was filled with so much unjust suffering? Because of the sacrifice on the cross, our sins were atoned by the blood of the Lamb. But Jesus didn't stop at dying for us...
“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.” - Mark 16:6
Jesus rose from the dead! Our God defeated death itself so that we could be with him for all eternity. That is why we celebrate: Easter is a holiday of hope because of the Lord's great love for us.
Love Languages...
Love is the most important thing to human life, aside from the air we breathe. Love gives purpose, comfort, hope. Love is fierce, bright, unconditional.
There are many ways to express love for someone or something, but there are also many ways that we accept love. Professionals have categorized our acceptance of love into 5 categories:
1. WORDS OF AFFIRMATION
People who feel loved through words of affirmation want compliments, encouragement... basically words that make them feel good.
2. GIFTS
People who feel loved through gifts need tangible reminders that someone else is thinking of them.
3. ACTS OF SERVICE
People who feel loved through acts of service want someone to see their needs and meet them without being asked.
4. QUALITY TIME
People who feel loved through quality time want someone's undivided attention when they're together.
5. PHYSICAL TOUCH
Finally, people who feel loved through physical touch just want a hug or kiss or high five.
Love Languages...and Easter?
As I was reflecting in this time of celebration, God laid it on my heart to talk about how His love is for everyone. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God speaks every single language of love.
1. WORDS OF AFFIRMATION
He tells us that it is finished. In other words, "Beloved, I take your burdens upon myself so that you may live a life free from sin." With these three words, he says "I love you."
2. GIFTS
Jesus gave us so many gifts through what we call Easter. His blood was the gift, the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Because of his blood, we are clean—which allows for us imperfect beings to be in the presence of a perfect God for ever.
3. ACTS OF SERVICE
This one is simple: Jesus took our place. The price to pay for sinning is death, a price for which we are rightfully charged. In spite of this, Jesus took our place and paid the penalty for us.
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 6:23
4. QUALITY TIME
After the resurrection, Jesus promised us yet another gift—or rather, a guide: the Holy Spirit. As the spirit dwells in us, God is constantly in our midst. He wants to know us and care for us by remaining near us. If that's not quality time, I don't know what is!
5. PHYSICAL TOUCH
God is with us through the Holy Spirit, which is his physical presence on us through the body of believers. This means that our bodies are His way of walking on the earth; we are his hands and feet, he reaches people through our outstretched arms. We can find him in our brothers and sisters of the faith.
I hope this Easter season brings you hope, peace, and the wonderful reminder that you are loved. He is risen!
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