Today’s Reading: John 21:15-25
Today’s Verse: So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. John 21:15 KJV
In the Bible, love is not primarily an emotion or feeling.
It is a decision to seek the well-being of others. Even when it is difficult for someone to seek to do the same.
It involves action, patience, and kindness. We have to be willing to make a sacrifice for the other person’s good.
In this passage, Jesus was questioning Simon Peter’s love for Him.
It was the third time the Lord had shown Himself to the disciples after He had risen from the dead (John 21:14 KJV).
After they had eaten, He asked Peter, “lovest thou me more than these?”
Peter responded, “Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee” (John 21:15 KJV).
In asking Peter this question, the Lord is not inviting Peter to compare his love to that of others. He is inviting Him to realize the weakness of his own love.
The Lord knows the areas that need changes in our lives.
Peter needed to move from a place of pride to one of humility. This was the only way to restore his relations with the Lord.
The One who is merciful and offers us every opportunity to repent of our sins.
Peter recognized he was struggling with the answering the Lord’s question.
This was the third time He had sked it.
The Lord knew Peter had not given his all.
But despite his failures, The Lord knew he really wanted to serve.
The Savior knew what is in his heart and tells Peter to “Feed my lambs” (John 21:15 KJV).
He took Peter’s offering of a lesser love, and He magnified it.
Changing Peter’s love into one that glorified God.
God’s love for us was demonstrated through His actions.
When He sent Jesus for the salvation of mankind. He gave His life for the benefit of us all.
Agape Love. An unconditional love. The highest form of love we have.
This is the love we receive from God.
He has a never-ending love for us.
When we turn away from Him, He offers us a way back.
The Lord will always meet us where we are.
Offering us mercy and forgiveness for our sins.
Our Biblical love is a decision to act in a way that shows our care. That we have concern for others. Regardless of their actions or circumstance.
When we are sincere in our efforts to love and serve Him, He will magnify our love into something glorious.
A WORD OF PRAYER
Father, it is well when our mistakes make us humbler and more watchful. It is a test of how sincere our love to You is. To love You is to obey You. To serve You with a whole heart. When we sincerely love You, we can truly testify of Your love to others. How wonderful life can be because of Your love. We are thankful for the unconditional love You show us.
In Jesus Name We Pray, Amen