We are nearly done with the class based on the book, The 5 Love Languages of Children, and I have dearly loved teaching this class. Much to my surprise (and to a certain extent, delight), most of the attendees have been teachers. I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of adapting the course content to make it relevant for these teachers – and in so doing I have gained new insight that I hope will help me not only personally as a parent dealing with my own children, but also as a professional educator.
There are only two languages left to discuss, and this week’s topic is the love language of gifts. As presented in the book, a child whose love language is gifts will cherish and treasure those tangible gifts that they receive, whether they be presents for Christmas, birthdays, or other celebrations; souvenirs or mementos picked up on family travels; or those “just because” presents for no special reason at all. The point these authors make is that even everyday objects can become gifts if we take the time to make the presentation special. The authors also caution to be sure that we as parents and significant adults recognize the difference between gifts and rewards as well as the dangers of an overabundance of gifts.
But that’s not really what I want to focus on. The topic of gifts got me to thinking about our most excellent gift-giver, the Prime Example Himself, our Master Father. Of course, God is the perfect communicator of all 5 love languages; He speaks them perfectly to us, His children, all the time. Scripture is replete with examples that support how God communicates His love toward us in the different languages. But this particular one resonated particularly deeply with me. I wanted to share a few thoughts that came to me as I was preparing this lesson:
1) God’s gifts are appropriate for what we need. (Matthew 7:9-11)
As earthly parents, we are flawed. But most of us are willing to provide what is good and necessary for our children. When they ask us for food, we provide it. When they need shelter and clothing and assurance, we gladly give what it takes. But so often we forget that God does the same for us. Whatever it is that we need, He is ready to provide. Sometimes, He gives it to us without our even asking. Other times, we must ask to receive. But always He is willing, ready, and more than able.
2) God’s gifts are given with pure motives. (James 1:17)
As opposed to rewards, which are essentially payment for services received, gifts are given with no strings attached. Gifts are a way to say “I love you” without expecting anything in return. There is no hidden agenda, no subversive motive. God’s gifts are not only good and perfect, but they are given in pure sincerity, pure love, and with pure selflessness.
3) God’s gifts are good for eternity. (Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9)
It may seem cliche’ to say that God’s ultimate gift was that of His Son, so let’s come at it from a different angle. We have the hope of riches awaiting us. A mansion to call our very own. Perfection: body, mind, and spirit. No death, ever. No sickness, no sadness. A place so glorious that the paving material for the streets is gold. And the gates are lined with pearls, diamonds, and precious jewels. Incredible feasts. Can you picture it? And the best part about this gift is that nothing is bound by time. We will have eternity to spend with those we’ve known and loved…and when we’re full of time spent with them, we still have eternity to spend getting to know new friends. That is cool.
4) God’s gifts are way better than ours. (2 Corinthians 9:15)
God’s gifts are indescribable. Because they are perfect, they far surpass anything we could hope to comprehend. Sadly, we often fail to see all the good gifts He has given us.
May we learn from the Master. May we be mindful of the gifts He has given us, and may we seek to give good gifts not only to our children, but to those we meet in a world of lost souls.