In his book “The Five Love Languages,” Dr. Gary Chapman describes major ways in which human beings express love.  Although the book was written mainly for couples, we can apply the principles in any relationship. The Bible tells us in Luke 10:27 and a number of other places, that we are to love our neighbor in the same way we love ourselves. Let’s take a look at the ways we express love, and how that can apply to loving our neighbors.The five languages of love that Dr. Chapman writes about are: giving of gifts, spending quality time, words of affirmation, acts of service, and physical touch.

So how can we show love to the people in our world by the giving of gifts?  One simple way is to take a plate of cookies to the new family in your neighborhood.  Or share some Christmas goodies with your neighbors.  Perhaps a homeless person needs a sleeping bag, or a single mother at your church could use some new clothes for her baby.  Noticing these things and supplying these small needs is a way to show that you care. An expression of love can open the door to sharing with that person the love of Christ, and give you an opportunity to give them the Good News of salvation in Him.

This is Luis Palau.