Jesus reinstates Peter after his three denials of knowing Him by asking Peter three times if he loves Him. This moment between the two of them is intimate and loving.
Jesus repeated the question: "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
"Yes, Lord," Peter said, "you know I love you."
"Then take care of My sheep," Jesus said. John 21:16 NLT
Jesus is helping Peter see his future role as one of the leaders of the early church and a proclaimer of the Gospel. He is connecting Peter's love for Jesus with the action, "take care of My sheep."
I could easily misread this and think, "do, therefore love" instead of "love, therefore do" – as if "doing" would lead to love. God does not "do love"; Scripture says, "God is love." His love led to His doing, exchanging His life for our lives by dying on the cross.
I must ask, "What is the motivtation for my actions?" Is it my love for God or is it self-motivation or obligation? If my actions flow out of my love for God, service and sacrifice will result.
Jesus is calling us to action that is pure of heart because of our love for God. Will you join me in loving well this week?
Dear loving Father, fill us full of You. May Your love flow through us to all people.
Sharing the journey with you,
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