My oldest granddaughter Avery who is 7 years old came by the other day and she gave me a letter with a picture in it. It was a picture of her and me holding hands and it said “I love you Papa.” She did not feel well that day but she still took the time to make something for me. She is so sweet. Writing letters and drawing pictures for people is one way that Avery shows people that she loves them. Our refrigerator has been adorned with many letters and pictures from Avery declaring her love for Nana and Papa.

This morning as I am looking at this letter again and thinking about how much I appreciate the way Avery expresses her love for me, I have been reminded that Christ told us the best way to express our love for Him. In John 14:15 Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” Those commandments include all of His teachings and they are found throughout the entirety of God’s word. Loving God, loving our neighbor, loving our enemies, and loving all others even as we love ourselves…what a picture that is.