FEBRUARY 19

JOHN 13:35

DO YOU LOVE OTHERS?
Jennie and her twin brother, James, skipped along happily – each holding one of Grandma’s hands. It was going to be a fun morning because Grandma was taking them to the park. They were nearly there when an old lady stopped them on the street. "Well, Helen," she said in a shrill voice, "Wow! You’ve got those grandkids again! Wasn’t it enough that you raised three of your own?" Narrowing her eyes, she squinted at Jennie and James.

"Oh, Dorothy," responded Grandma, "I enjoy having the children so much." She chuckled softly, squeezing the hand of each twin. "Mommy went to see the doctor, so we’re going to the park to play at the swing," Jennie piped up. "Doctor!" the lady exploded. "Don’t tell me there’s going to be another baby!"

"Wouldn’t that be nice?" answered Grandma sweetly. "Now we must hurry or all the swings will be taken." As they went on their way, James scowled. "Grandma, that lady was a little strange," he said.

"Yeah,"agreed Jennie."Doesn’t she like kids?""I’m sure she does,honey," replied Grandma, "but I guess she just would rather not take care of them. She doesn’t know what fun she’s missing." Grandma’s voice was quietly reassuring. "Do you like taking care of kids?" asked Jennie. "I like taking care of you!" Grandma answered positively.

James squeezed Grandma’s hand."I think you’re the best babysitter in the world," he declared. "Me, too!" said Jennie quickly. She walked a little closer to Grandma. "Why do you like to take care of us?" she asked. Grandma smiled. "Because I love you,"she said,"and I enjoy spending time with you.Besides,Jesus said that when we show love for one another, we show that we love Him, too."

"Doesn’t that lady love Jesus, then?" asked James. "We don’t know that, but I hope we’ve shown her today that we love Him," said Grandma with a smile. She released their hands as they approached the swings. "Let’s see how many ways we can nd today to show that we love Jesus, okay?"

Solemnly, James turned to Jennie. "Want me to give you a push in the swing?" he asked his sister.

Thought: Do you realize that one way you show your love for Jesus is by the things you do - things like being nice to a sister or brother, obeying your parents, running errands, or helping a neighbor?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the lesson that although helping others may seem like a small thing, they please You. And they show my love for You if I love others. In Jesus’ name – amen.