The Art of Speaking God's Love Language

Personal opinions have been given and written for centuries about how grace, mercy, wisdom, faith, sacrifice, honesty, and righteousness have been recognized as Christian words or theories. Even concepts such as evil and judgment are recognized as part of the Christian diction. And while “Christian-speak” is a thing, it’s important to revisit the power of language and words, especially in these times.

If you are what you eat, well, could you be what you say?

Jonathan Merritt, a public figure, writer, and blogger, who in 2018, mentioned how more than 70 percent of Americans identified as Christians were not showing the God they served through their speech. He went on and stated how sacred speeches and spiritual conversations were declining. In his article titled, “It’s Getting Harder to Talk About God,” he asked, “How do we talk about God in times like these when God is hard to spot?”

Fast Forward to 2021, I’m asking, are sacred speech and spiritual conversations declining?

I believe in certain circles and conversations, they are indeed declining. This is because spiritual conversations can be challenging to engage in, and sacred speeches are difficult to incorporate into formal or informal discussions.

For mature Christians, God-talk and Christian-speak are still relevant, especially when we remember these are just words, but the meaning behind them carries the power. Nevertheless, these conversations are often tough to have. Finding ways to plug in our “Christian” language in conversations is an art. Often, we don’t know how to make God relatable to family members, friends, and the masses, especially unbelievers.

How do we make the God we serve relatable to our friends, family members, and unbelievers?

We have become aware that many of us are on a different spiritual walk and have different spiritual maturity levels. Having spiritual maturity doesn’t always guarantee that those who claim to be Christian always seek to act their words rather than speak those words as most do. Your love should be in action rather than in speaking.

The fact is our most significant failing is in the expectations of love put into action and even understanding where and when to say certain things, not to mention the responsibility that being a Christian conveys. So when we communicate God or our faith to others, we should project God’s character, values, and overall love for humanity.

Are you making yourself look good or God?

Conversations are a precious way to help others come back to God without making them feel guilty about their practices. Those that have walked longer in Christ tend to forget where they came from and come across as judgemental, and for those that remember where they were, manage to tolerate others. But if we want others to know the God we serve, we must seek to know his Love Language and not impose our interpretation of God’s love language onto others.

1 Corinthians 13 gives us a full road map of what and how we should communicate God’s love language. It reads:

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. Next time you have conversations with your friend, family, or even coworkers, be mindful to:

Meet them where they are.
Pray for them and ask God if you are the person He has chosen to guide them back to Him.
Answer God’s call to guide those He has assigned to you.
Seek the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit to guide others with love and authority in Jesus.
Do not say anything to anyone until you have the right words and approach needed to keep love and trust flowing in your conversations.
Remember that you are only God’s Shepherd, a disciple, a messenger who is doing your part in the body of Christ. God is in control.
Let God transform your communication style. Let Him transform your speech by being intentional and reading your Bible as if you were a lifelong student.

Trust God always because God is still working even when you don’t see the person getting closer to God.

Enjoy those that you have around. Love others unconditionally the way Jesus loves. Until next time!

Essy.

Be Intentional. Be genuine.