Acts of Service: Some Practical Ideas
What’s the difference between household chores and “stuff you should do” versus expressing love through Acts of Service?
Backing up a bit…The Five Love Languages is a book that outlines five ways people like to give and receive love. Basically, the Five Languages are Physical Touch, Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, and Acts of Service. These five ways give us practical tools to follow God’s command to us to grow and abound in love toward others.
“And may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you.”
1 Thessalonians 3:12
Actions Literally Speak Louder Than Words
It can be difficult to speak someone else’s Love Language. For me, Acts of Service make me think of “things you should do” which doesn’t make you want to jump in there and start those.
But being fluent in this Love Language (this is Alta Lynn’s #1 Love Language) means anticipating ways to make your spouse or child or friend’s life easier. When that happens, love is communicated.
12 Practical Ideas for Acts of Service:
MAKE A MEAL FOR THEM OR THEIR FAVORITE TREAT.
HELP THEM WITH SOMETHING THEY HAVE TO GET DONE THAT DAY.
WASH THEIR CAR.
ASK: WHAT CAN I HELP YOU WITH?
MATCH THEIR SOCKS.
PICK UP THEIR FAVORITE SNACKS FROM THE STORE.
MAKE THEIR FAVORITE MEAL.
HAVE LUNCH DELIVERED TO THEIR WORK/SCHOOL.
REMEMBER TO DO THINGS WHEN THEY ASK YOU TO DO THEM.
DO AN ERRAND OR CHORE THEY HATE.
TOSS THEIR TOWEL IN THE DRYER WHILE THEY ARE IN THE SHOWER OR BATH SO THEY HAVE A WARM TOWEL TO USE.
WHEN THEY ASK FOR SOMETHING DO IT RIGHT THEN OR SHORTLY AFTER.
Final Thoughts
One of the key patterns in speaking the Love Language of Acts of Service is “without them asking/having to ask” which means you have to be more intentional in the process.
I definitely think that a person’s Love Language preferences change over time as life changes. For example, Alta Lynn’s need for gifts increased after she has had plenty of Quality Time during Covid.
Remember the goal: Grow in love. God wants that for us and other people will be impacted and be grateful.