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Gifts Are Visual Symbols of Love
by Dr. Gary Chapman
Most wedding ceremonies include the giving and receiving of rings. The pastor says, "These rings are outward and visible signs of an inward and spiritual bond that unites your two hearts in love that has no end." That is not mere rhetoric. It is verbalizing a significant truth - symbols have emotional value.
Visual symbols of love are more important to some people than to others. That's why individuals have different attitudes toward wedding rings. Some never take the ring off. Others seldom wear their wedding band.
People have different love languages. If receiving gifts is my primary love language, I will place great value on the ring and I will be emotionally moved by the other gifts you give me through the years. I will see them as expressions of love.
Without gifts as visual symbols, I may come to question your love.
When you come home from a trip, if your spouse complains: "You didn't bring me anything?" Or if your spouse seems deeply hurt when you forget to give a gift on a birthday, then you can know that his or her love language is receiving gifts.
Article written by Dr. Gary Chapman. Based on the book, The Five Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman. Published by Moody Publishing. For a complete listing of Dr. Chapman's books and resources, click here.
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