The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

John 15:12-14, “’This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.

13 ‘Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.

14 ‘You are My friends, if you do what I command you.’”

There is nothing like a friend. Solomon said, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Prov. 17:17); and, “…there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Pro. 18:24b).

I am still receiving cards of condolence in the mail. Emails fill my inbox, asking how I am doing. Phone calls have swarmed my cell, leaving me no choice but to temporarily avoid them in order to maintain control of myself. So, while I have not replied appropriately to all who have lovingly contacted me, I know who you are: you are my friends! –our friends; and we love you for it!

The counsel I have received has come from family and long-time Christian friends. I have not crossed the mark where grieving has totally past, but the very thought of Rose Marie being in Jesus’ presence is my constant consolation.

Let me urge you to cherish our LORD’s commandment that we “love one another.” The word “love” is the Greek word agape, which intends and offers the best to the other person, and expects nothing in return.

The Apostle John warns: “Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 Jn. 2:15). Whatever our lot, whatever our fate, we can face it victoriously if we possess the love of the Father within us! “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might” (Eph. 6:10).

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you” (Jn. 15:12-14).

I love you and pray for you daily wherever you are!

Heartily in Christ,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”