Starbucks Is A Love Language

Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.  2 Corinthians 9:6-8 NLT

So, a funny conversation occurred at my church over of all things … coffee.  A young lady made a Facebook post about how her wonderful fiancé had surprised her in the morning with a cup of Starbucks before heading off on a business trip.  I had to laugh at it because strangely the picture appeared to show off her and the coffee as if the coffee itself was her true love and not her fiancé.  “Starbucks is a love language?” I asked.  Before I knew it, a few of the ladies of our church joyfully chimed in saying, “lt most definitely is!”  I then knew I had to concede the point because to be honest, my wife loves her morning coffee as well!  There is nothing that brings a smile to her face faster than my bringing her coffee in the morning.  “Ooooh.  Thank you,” she says, and the glow on her face brings such warmth to my heart that I know no matter what happens later in the day, it will be alright.  It’s like a hidden love language between us.

If our relationship with Christ is a loving one, we will give generously with joy in our hearts.  Very early in my Christian life, the pastor who baptized me told me about how God loves a cheerful giver.  That thought wore on me as I thought to myself, “I have bills!  I can barely afford to make ends meet.  Where am I going to find something to give?”  Then the pastor reminded me to trust in God to provide for me when I do.  At first, I struggled.  Then slowly as God continued to bless my family, I was able to increase my giving, and one day, I found myself exceeding in my giving.  This is not to say I have not fallen off the wagon on occasion.  I have.  However, I continued to be both encouraged by and reminded of my promises to God.  Furthermore, my mind focuses on being a joyful giver.  I share this for two reasons.  First, it is to give courage to others who may have little to give to trust God a little more.  Second, it is to remind those of the joy that comes with giving.  If you are not joyful in your giving, it may be time to have a heart to heart with God.  Ask yourself, “What is in my heart?  What is it that God wants from me?  Am I expecting something from God when God is really expecting something from me?”  When asking these questions, don’t answer with a skeptical mindset that many would have.  Instead, focus on what’s in your heart and the love you have for Christ.  Then, act.

Our God is a generous God.  He gave His life freely in exchange for our sins; past, present, and future.  Furthermore, He did so without expectation.  All He provided us with is a choice.  Either follow Him or the ways of this world.  We can walk away, and live our lives knowing this.  However if we truly love Jesus and the sacrifice He Himself paid on our behalf, we will choose to follow Him.  Thus as He gave, we too will give to others not as a sacrifice but as joyful gifts honoring an unrepayable debt on our behalf.  Let us not be the ones focused on ourselves.  Let us enjoy the freedom God gave us giving freely not only to our church but also to others in need in any fashion that we can.  What is your level of giving?  What joy do you feel when giving?  My prayer is that we give in such a way that even ‘Starbucks is a love language.’  Amen.