Here is the fifth and final in the series of notes on the book by Gary Chapman, "The Five Love Languages". You can see the first four in the archived section of the blog. See the reference to the right which lists the previous posts and click on Love Languages. I hope you are enjoying this study and are finding yourself and your friends and family in these descriptions. Be sure to keep their tank filled with actions that they interpret as love! M
#5 ~ Quality Time
when you give of your time, you are giving life,
time you can never give again.
time you can never give again.
God's word shows us how His love language incorporates quality time:
Genesis 2:18 The Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."
Exodus 13:21 "By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night."
Exodus 25:8 "Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them."
Psalms 34:7 "The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them."
Psalms 23 "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake."
Matthew 26:38 "Then he said to them, 'My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow ... Stay here and keep watch with me.' "
Luke 10:39 "She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said."
Hebrews 10:25 "Let us not give up meeting together..., but let us encourage one another--"
The following are ways that we can share quality time:
* through focusing attention
The main way to focus attention is through togetherness. This communicates
that we care and enjoy being with each other. In short, you love this person.
ie: stop and spend 5 minutes of concentrated conversation, meet someone for lunch, take off of work to attend a funeral of a friend's parent, attend an activity with someone so they won't be alone
* through quality conversation
Share sympathetic dialogue with someone where you share their experiences, thoughts,
feelings, desires in a friendly uninterrupted context. The focus should be on drawing them out.
Have a genuine desire to understand them. Seek revelation concerning them.
This person has a need to express their feelings outloud.
They need to express their emotions verbally to someone who will focus on them 100%.
*through quality activities
The purpose here is to experience something together.
It will provide a sort of memory bank for the two of you. Do it only if:
1. one of you wants to do it
2. the other is willing and
3. you both know why you are doing it.
QUALITY TIME IS IMPORTANT!
