My children, I will be with you only a little longer. . . . Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. (John 13:3334)

“DON’T FIGHT WITH YOUR SISTER.” “Don’t drive too fast.” “Don’t forget to call home.” Funny, isn’t it, how our closing remarks as parents evolve over the years? It starts with small things, “Don’t leave your toys out,” then evolves to include new responsibilities: “Don’t forget to feed the dog.” Recently, when saying good-bye to our college-bound son, I heard myself say, “Don’t forget where you came from.”

What did I mean by that? Was I just reminding him to not lose our address? No. I was saying, “Don’t forget everything we’ve taught you. Don’t let anyone steer you away from the principles that have guided you. Don’t compromise on foundational truths you know to be true.”

Jesus lived and worked with the disciples. Not only had they heard His teachings, they had watched Him live what He taught. They saw Him mercifully receive an uninvited guest who was lowered through the roof. They were chastened for sending little children away from Him. They witnessed His gentle response to a desperate woman who clutched His cloak as He moved through the pressing crowd. They knew what He stood for and what He hoped they would continue to display. He was taking one of the last moments He had with them to say, “Don’t forget what I’ve taught you. Show the world that you belong to Me.”

Display your Father’s love today.

Karon L. Storment lives in Greensboro, North Carolina, with her husband, Jim. Together they direct Bethany House Ministries.