John 21:17
17 Jesus asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus had asked him three times if he loved him. So he told Jesus, “Lord, you know everything. You know I love you.” Jesus replied, “Feed my sheep.
Do you love Jesus? If you do, then your actions will tell the story. Love is demonstrated by what we do, no wonder Jesus would tell Peter that if you love me, then feed my sheep.
John 14:15
15 Jesus said to his disciples: If you love me, you will do as I command.
John 14:23
23 Jesus replied: If anyone loves me, they will obey me. Then my Father will love them, and we will come to them and live in them. 24 But anyone who doesn’t love me, won’t obey me.
Love is demonstrated by actions, it’s not what we say unless it is also translated to our actions. It is easy to say how much you love God, it is easy to post on social media how you love God, but do your actions align to the words you are speaking and proclaiming? You cannot claim to love God, yet you are living your life in obedience to the ways of the world.
One thing I love about God is that He is a merciful God. Remember, it is this same Peter who only days before had denied Jesus 3 times just before He was crucified. Now, Jesus asks him 3 times if he (Peter) loves Him (Jesus). It is this same Peter who on the day of Pentecost in the book of Acts after being filled with the Holy Ghost preaches a bold message and 3000 people decide to follow Christ.
Like Peter, you and I may have denied Jesus in one way or another, just like Peter we have the opportunity to make things right and be totally sold out to Jesus!
Reflections.
Is there enough evidence in your life to convict you of loving Jesus
How did the patriarchs of old demonstrate their love for God?
The Peter who denied Jesus is the same Peter in the book of Acts, ready to die for the gospel. What does that teach you?
