THANKING GOD IN HIS LOVE LANGUAGE
I’m getting better. I remember to thank God more often for the things He does for me – big things, little things, asked-for things and unasked for things. I’m more consistent in thanking Him afterwards. But it has taken many years and a real effort to remember to say thanks. Still, it is often a bit late and sometimes weaker than He deserves. I can only hope He reads my heart and knows I am truly thankful, for if He had to depend on my words, He might wonder some times.
It’s easy to remember to pray and beg God for something in life, to be motivated to seek Him over and over again, to persist in faithfully bringing a need before Him. Yet when He responds favorably to me, my ‘Thanks’ often pales in comparison to my request.
How can we best thank God and show Him our love and appreciation? We are created in His image so we can communicate with Him like we do with each other. The same love languages we use with each other also are true of God.
Verbal affirmation is the way we usually thank God – just by saying “Thanks.” God wants this (Psalm 66:4), and we do this when we sing or worship. Telling others what He has done for us is another way of verbally communicating our appreciation.
Acts of service is a second means of communicating love and gratitude. Jesus asks us to do this (John 15:20; Matthew 23:11-12). We serve Him by serving others. Anything that helps build His kingdom is service to Him. When you serve, do it with an attitude of showing love to God, not for the recognition you will get from others.
Giving gifts is a tangible way to show love. God asks us to worship Him by giving (Luke 21:1-4; Deuteronomy 16:10-11). This includes giving money or material gifts to God’s work as well as to those in need. It also includes using our time, skills, talents and gifts for Him. When you give in any way, do it with a heart full of thankfulness and love for Him.
Quality time is a very important way to let God know how you feel about Him. Read, study and memorize His Word (Psalm 119:97). Spend time listening to His Spirit speak to your heart while you meditate about Him (Psalm 77:12). We are careful to tithe our money, but what about our time? That would amount to about 1 ½ hours a day – each day, not just each week on Sunday morning. God wants us to spend time with Him. That is why He created us and redeemed us!
Physical touch is also a way to show love and thanks to God. Clearly we can’t touch God, but He enjoys seeing us share loving touches with each other, just as we love seeing our children share loving touches with each other. The early church practiced greeting each other with a holy kiss (Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:26). The opposite is also true – harsh touches or angry actions hurt others and God.
Thanking God isn’t just saying a few quick words, it is living a life that focuses on Him in all we think, say and do. After all, God puts us first in all He thinks, says and does – how can we do any less?
1 Chronicles 16:34 – O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
What is your love language? How can you communicate your love and thankfulness to God by using the language that most clearly speaks love to you? Spend some time now, or some time today, communicating your thankfulness.
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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