If you love, listen

Everyone needs to be reminded sometimes that loving someone doesn't mean buying them expensive birthday presents! In this week's Gospel (John 14:23-29), Jesus talks about how to show love for Him: by listening to what He taught us.

"If you love me, listen to my teachings," Jesus told the Apostles. "Then God will come and live in your heart. I'm leaving you soon to go back to heaven; but if you love me, don't be afraid. Remember, I'm going to be with my Father -- and the Holy Spirit will still be with you, even after I'm in heaven."

Jesus never asked people to give Him anything but their trust. If they loved Him, Jesus said, people should follow Him. They should really listen to what He taught and try their best to live the way God wanted them to.

Kids who think getting stuff is the same thing as being loved might feel afraid they don't have enough stuff. To them, that would mean they don't have enough love!

Jesus, though, told His followers (and us) not to be afraid. He said that even if He's in heaven, where we can't see Him, He'll be loving us. He even said the Holy Spirit will be in our hearts, helping us stay close to Him.

Presents don't prove somebody loves you. Like Jesus taught, loving somebody and trusting them proves you love them!

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK: Jesus, help me remember people love me, even when I don't get what I want! Amen.