“Simon, son of John, do you love me?” John 21:17

Gary Chapman has written a series of books about what he calls the five love languages. The idea is that we all have our preferred way of expressing and receiving love. Loosely put these are: using words, physical touch, giving gifts, spending time with the loved one, and doing something practical for them. Though, we have our preferred style of giving and receiving love, it’s good to be open to other ways that our loved ones express their love.

When we were young we used words like, “I wuv you” and hugs (physical touch) but as we mature we learn to express and receive love in other ways as well. Likewise, we mature spiritually in the ways we express love to God. We no longer just use words. We spend time with God, we give gifts to God and we become involved in practical areas of service.

One of the ways God likes us to express our love for him is through the songs we sing. A song can be a gift to God. Of course, it may not be our preferred way of expressing love. But perhaps neither is buying flowers or watching football with our spouse. Yet we do these things because of what it means to the other person.

Throughout the Bible, there are numerous references to songs and singing. The book of Psalms is a book of songs. The Lord has blessed today’s church with many talented musicians and songwriters and thereby given us many songs we can use as a means of expressing our love for him.

Let’s use the songs we sing as gifts of love to him.