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| photo from http://stringsattachedministries.wordpress.com |
We have heard of the five love languages mankind has
been utilizing to communicate affection to those they deeply care for. May it
be one of the five, a combination of two, three or four, or even the whole lot,
these expressions assure us of the love we need and would like to give to the
object of our affection, sincere or true.
It was great revelation when I discovered that there
is a sixth love language. Not only is this demonstration of love important in
any relationship, I have come to the realization that it is, beyond doubt, the
ultimate of all love languages.
Before going to the utmost, let me enumerate the first
five. I first encountered this a few months before my husband and I got married,
during our marriage counseling sessions. So here goes…
Affirmation. There are some who
find affirmation as an expression of love given and received. They compliment
the person they care for deeply. Some feel loved when their other half praise
them through encouraging words — may it be in the way they dress, their
character, talents, accomplishments and everything that comes with that person.
Gifts. Those speaking this language shower
their love ones with gifts or they feel loved when their partners give them
presents. Mind you, gifts also come in other packages like going out for
a movie together, that getaway to a very nice resort to relax, spa treatment or
anything you can think of as a gift. It does not necessarily need to be an item
found in a store.
Service. Others find this as a wonderful
expression of love to and from their mates. They find it really romantic when
their partners cook for them, run errands for them, give them massages or vice
versa.
Time. Spending time with the person they love
is the love language for some people. Not just quantity time but quality time
as well.
Touch. This is the language of the PDA (public
display of affection) fanatics. They like holding hands while walking, hugging,
hair stroking or anything that involves skin contact.
My husband and I are walking to our seventh year of
marriage. Learning these five love languages helped us to be sensitive to each
other’s needs. We are blessed to have understood each other’s love language
during the early years of our marriage.
But when I learned of the sixth love language through
a book my husband gave me, I was overwhelmed by how God is leading us towards
His picture of marriage. The ultimate love language — PRAYER. It
communicates in ways we can’t. When we pray for someone, God’s love will grow
in our heart for that person. We’ll also find love growing in this person’s
heart for us, without that person knowing we’re praying for him.
Even if our prayers are not uttered with completely
selfless motives, our motives will become more unselfish as prayer continues.
Prayer brings unity even if the person we’re praying for is not praying with
us. When we ask someone, “How can I pray for you?” we bring an aspect of love
and care in any given situation. I can’t imagine anyone not wanting to be
prayed for. You’ll be amazed at how people answer this question in detail.
The first five love languages require two individuals
to make things happen. Prayer requires just one with willingness to seek the
best for another. If we really love someone showing how much we do thru his and
our love language together with prayer would bring the relationship up a whole
lot of notches.
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