Love Languages

My sister and I have several things in common. We are in helping professions, we consider chocolate a gift from God, and we adore her kids. Oh, and we both think we have an awesome sister. We are also uniquely different. I like to stay up late; she doesn’t. She always did her homework first thing; I did mine last. I enjoy the great outdoors; she prefers a world free of bugs and insects.
Another way we are different is expressions of love. I love fresh flowers and a beautiful bouquet brightens my week. My sister could care less for flowers that will be dead in four days. So, when I want to honor her by showing up with a gift in her first-grade classroom, the only bouquet I have is one made of Diet Dr. Pepper, chocolate and new school supplies.
Part of really loving someone is knowing what pleases them. It requires paying attention to the little things that communicate love and respect in big ways.
The same applies for honoring God. Sometimes we are tempted to believe that God wants some grand display or gesture. But, that is not what God requires of us. Our Creator wants us to live lives full of love – love for God and love for each other, and often this love is best expressed in ordinary, small ways each day. Empty words and mindless rituals to God are like bouquets of flowers for my sister. They don’t say, “I know you and I love you.”

He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?  Micah 6:8

*This was my devotion from our church’s daily devotions which are produced and distributed daily via email throughout the year. You can sign up to receive those devotions written by various church members here.