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Key Bible Verse: Don't just pretend that you love others. Really love them (Romans 12:9). Bonus Reading:1 Peter 1:21–22

A six-year-old girl in our congregation went up to her daddy, who was in his study keyboarding a report on his computer. For some time, he remained unaware of her presence. Finally he glanced over and saw her patiently standing there. "Honey," he said, "what do you want?"

"Daddy," she said, "it's my bedtime. Mommy said if I came and stood beside you, you'd give me a hug and kiss."

"All right," he said. He leaned over, gave her a quick hug and kiss, and said, "Off to bed with you." Then he returned to his computer, engrossed in pulling together an important report that was due the next morning.

Ten minutes later he looked up from his computer. To his surprise, he saw his daughter still standing there. "Honey," he said, "I gave you the hug and kiss. What more do you want?"

"Daddy," she replied plaintively, "you did give me the hug and kiss, but you weren't in it."

Your children can tell the difference: when you're engaged, and when it's a hug and kiss you're not really in.

—Thomas Tewell in Preaching Today

Adapted from Preaching Today (231) by permission.

Copyright © 2004 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

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Prayer for the Week

Heavenly Father, help me to model Your tender love to my own children.

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