When our daughter was 4 years old, her little legs were propelling her through the house one day. As she headed toward the front door, she suddenly hit the brakes and wheeled around. With a sense of childish urgency she called out, "Mom, I love you!" Then she was off and running again. She could really melt a parent's heart!

Imagine that same scene but with different circumstances. Suppose she had just been told for the third time to come to the table. Now press the instant replay button. Watch her stop and say, "I love you," only to spin around and run out the front door. In that setting those words would not have warmed anyone's heart.

Our Lord also looks for an "I love You" from His children that is backed up by action. When He asked Peter, "Do you love Me?" (Jn. 21:15), He was not satisfied with a casual, "Sure, Lord, You know I do!" He responded to His disciple's reply by saying, in effect, "Peter, if you love Me, care for those I care for. Peter, if you love Me, follow Me."

What would you say if the Lord were to ask you that same question? Would you answer, "Yes, Lord, I love You"? Those words will delight the Father's heart if you are an obedient child.  — Mart De Haan