Listen

This is my commandment: love each other just as I have loved you. No one has greater love than to give up one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I don’t call you servants any longer, because servants don’t know what their master is doing. Instead, I call you friends, because everything I heard from my Father I have made known to you.

I give you these commandments so that you can love each other.

John 15:12-15, 17

Think

My family has a dog that is part Australian Shepherd. These dogs have historically been used as farm herding animals. Our dog doesn’t live on a farm, so instead of herding sheep, he herds the neighborhood children.

One day a babysitter that our dog had never met came to pick up the kids across the street from the bus stop. As the babysitter reached out to cross the street, our dog ran in front of the bus and guarded our little neighbors from their sitter.

I was embarrassed, but our dog was being protective. He loves the kids next door. He loves to play with their dog. He loves when he gets extra love and attention from them.

This Valentine’s Day, God calls us to love with the same unrestrained care, sacrifice, and loyalty that I saw my dog show toward the kids next door. May we follow God’s commands to love our friends and neighbors, our family and loved ones with the same exuberance, joy, devotion, and dedication.

Whitney Edwards-Russell

Question to Ponder:

Who in your life needs to feel God’s great love?

Pray

God, you have loved me with the greatest love that could ever be known. Help me to love with the same greatness. Amen.

Go

Jesus loves me still today,

walking with me on my way,

wanting as a friend to give

light and love to all who live.

Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me.

Yes, Jesus loves me. The Bible tells me so.

– Anna B. Warner, “Jesus Loves Me”