Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:18 NIV

 

Love comes in many different forms, and we all express it uniquely.

Krish shows his love by helping out. Whenever he wants to show care, he’s there fixing something—like mending his grandmother’s steps or making sure everything in her house works. For Kayla, love is shown through words and thoughtful gifts. She leaves notes for her family, picks flowers for her mom, or leaves a small baked treat for her dad.

Just like Krish and Kayla, we all have ways we naturally express love. Some of us use words to share our hearts, while others prefer acts of service or spending quality time. For some, it’s the touch of a hug, while others express love through gifts. But it’s not just how we give love; it’s also about how we best receive it. Certain expressions of love might speak straight to our hearts, filling us with joy and connection.

Learning to speak what’s been called each other’s “love language”[1] takes effort, but that’s what love does—it makes the extra effort to demonstrate care. It’s a bit like learning a new language: you wouldn’t tell someone you love them in Chinese if they only speak Arabic. You adapt, you learn, and you speak the language they understand.

Do you know the love languages of those closest to you? Ask them what means the most to them—how they best receive love. It’s a small step that can make a big difference. The Bible says, “Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:18 NIV). Jesus showed us the ultimate example of love by becoming human, understanding our needs, and living among us. When we speak the love language of another, our love looks like Jesus.

[1] Chapman, Gary, www.5lovelanguages.com.