Have You Ever Wondered How to Love God?

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of getting to know the 5 love languages. As a mother, as a wife, and as a Catholic. When trying to connect with my husband or children, and make them feel loved, seen, and appreciated, the 5 love languages have helped me tremendously.

But have you ever thought about what God’s love language is?

I began thinking about that recently, and I would argue that Our Lord greatly loves all 5 of them and that we have so many ways to love and adore Him through each one. Hear me out…

1. Quality Time

Sitting in front of Our Lord in a quiet adoration chapel is what instantly comes to mind when I think of spending quality time with Jesus. Having the true presence there and waiting for us is a gift I take for granted all too often. What a privilege some of us have in parishes that offer perpetual Eucharistic adoration! And while that obviously seems like the go-to, we can spend time with Him anywhere we can give Him our undivided attention. Sometimes, for me, that feels the most peaceful in nature, whether that’s the mountains or the woods, but all too often, as a busy mother who can’t usually get to adoration or away in nature alone, I try and invite Our Lord into my busy home to be with me while I fold laundry, or while I nurse a fussy baby at 2:00 in the morning. Putting down my phone or removing other distractions and turning my attention to Him, whenever or wherever possible, can be an opportunity for quality time together.

2. Gift Giving

Gift-giving has never been a love language I was very comfortable with, to be quite honest. Both the giving and receiving of gifts usually make me feel a bit awkward. But you know what I don’t feel awkward and uncomfortable about? Receiving every gift that God sends my way! So, how can we practice the love language of gifts with Jesus? We, as Catholics, are called to tithe and give generously, but when was the last time you gave something extra? Denying some luxury in our weekly budget to give a little to the meal train for a new mother or donating what you can to a friend or relative’s funeral fund. There are many ways we can give a gift to Jesus through those in need.

Another way to practice the love language of gifts is by receiving them graciously. Don’t forget that when God blesses your life, be grateful, offer prayers of thanksgiving, and share and use your gifts for His greater glory.

3. Acts of Service

‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me. ‘ Matthew 25:40.

We are the hands and feet of the Church. Anything we do in Jesus’ name is an act of service for Him, which means we can turn anything into a work of service for Our Lord! Whether that be a mundane task for our spouse or children or going out of our way to help a stranger in need. If you need some inspiration on where to start, look at the 7 Corporal Works of Mercy and think about how you can incorporate them into your daily life.

4. Words of Affirmation

Our Lord once said to St Teresa of Avila in a vision, “I would create the universe again just to hear you say that you love me”

Tell me Our Savior isn’t a romantic who loves words of affirmation.

So often, we turn to Him in prayer with petitions or even in thanksgiving that our prayers were answered, and even though He loves it when we do so, when was the last time you turned to Him just to tell Him you love him? My young daughters and I began doing The First Friday devotion this year, and before going to Mass for our first Friday Mass on the feast of The Sacred Heart of Jesus, we decided that every time we go to Mass on a First Friday, we wouldn’t go to Him with petitions. Instead, it would be an “I love you Mass.” We would arrive and kneel before Him and just tell Him, “We love you!”

Another wonderful way we have brought the love language of words of affirmation into our relationship with God is through songs. Singing and listening to religious and sacred music is a lovely way to incorporate words of affirmation into our routine. Some of our favorites are “What Wondrous Love Is This?” And “Pange Lingus,” which Chant of the Mystics has a beautiful version of.

5. Physical Touch

The Eucharist. Need I say more? Our Lord so desired physical closeness with us that He hides Himself under the appearance of bread and wine at every Mass throughout the world every day so that He can physically be with us, as close as humanly possible. Receiving the Holy Eucharist is something that we need “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life.” John 6:54 not eat my flesh and drink my blood), but that isn’t the only reason to receive Him. Jesus so desires that we receive so that we can have that intimacy with Him AND that He can have that intimacy with Him.

What are some of your and your family’s favorite ways to practice the 5 love languages with Our Lord?