Yesterday during the spring luncheon at church, the passage from Luke 10 about Jesus visiting the home of Mary and Martha was shared. You probably remember it, it’s the time when Martha is rushing around doing all the tasks of hosting, preparing the food and the house. Her sister Mary sat in the room with Jesus, listening to Jesus teach. Martha was annoyed with her sister, even to the point that she asked Jesus to tell Mary to help her out. But Jesus didn’t do that. Jesus told her that Mary had chosen well and he wouldn’t take that away from her. Jesus valued Mary’s actions more than Martha’s.
To be honest, I’ve felt discouraged by this passage because I act more like Martha. I’ve interpreted it as a rebuke to me and my constant work and business. Yesterday, our speaker pointed out that Jesus said Martha’s name twice, “Martha, Martha”. The speaker explained that in their culture, that was a way of expressing endearment. Jesus wasn’t scolding Martha, he was responding gently. So, even though Jesus valued Mary’s choice more, he understood Martha’s personality and the way that she showed love too. I felt encouraged.
Hearing this passage again, brought to mind a book that I read many years ago entitled, The Five Love Languages, by Gary Chapman. That book helped me understand that people give and receive love in very different ways. Yesterday, I connected the Luke 10 passage to the idea of love languages. Mary expressed love through quality time while Martha expressed love through acts of service. I encourage you to reflect on how you prefer to show love. Do you show love for God with the same love languages that you show love to your family?
Remember, we don’t all have to show our love for God in the same way. Be encouraged…God knows you and understands the way that you express love.
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