“If you love me, keep my commands.”
John 14:15
One of the most popular books of recent years is Gary Chapman’s The Five Love Languages (1992). Chapman teaches that there are five love languages, or ways in which people express and receive love. He maintains that everyone has one primary and one secondary love language. If you learn your spouse’s love language and intentionally communicate to your spouse in that way, it will increase relationship happiness and satisfaction.
But it struck me one day that Jesus has a love language.
I often ask my seminary-in-prison students what they think Jesus’ love language is. “Praise” and “worship” are the most common responses. While it is good and right to praise and worship Jesus, those are not, according to Him, how He most wants to be shown love.
Jesus’ love language is obedience.
Jesus Himself told us that if we love Him, we will keep His commands. We’ll obey what is set out for us in the Ten Commandments and in Jesus’ summary of them: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart … and … love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:30-31).
But it struck me one day that Jesus has a love language.
I often ask my seminary-in-prison students what they think Jesus’ love language is. “Praise” and “worship” are the most common responses. While it is good and right to praise and worship Jesus, those are not, according to Him, how He most wants to be shown love.
Jesus’ love language is obedience.
Jesus Himself told us that if we love Him, we will keep His commands. We’ll obey what is set out for us in the Ten Commandments and in Jesus’ summary of them: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart … and … love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:30-31).
Scripture Focus
John 14:15-21
Insight
Jesus didn’t leave us to wonder or guess how He wants to be shown love. When His love and grace transform our hearts, we obey Him.
Bible In A Year
- Leviticus 15-16
- Psalm 54
- Luke 18
