Proof That You Really Care

"So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep." - John 21:15-17

I have read those verses many times in the past, always in the context of Peter's restoration after denying Jesus 3 times. Jesus asked Peter 3 times if Peter loved him.  

"Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me." - John 14:23-25

So, there it is. Jesus telling Peter that if Peter loves Jesus, then Peter can show it through obedience.  In the same way, if we say we love God but don't obey Him then the conclusion is that we don't love Him like we say we do.  A verse that has been a keystone in the foundation of our lives and ministry is Galatians 6:2.

"Bear one another's burdens and fulfill the law of Christ."

And what is the law of Christ?  Matthew 22:37-39. Love God and then, because I love God, love others.  

We very often have a sympathetic thought when we hear of someone dealing with a hardship, but rarely are we willing to come alongside them and help them bear the load.  I am thinking about the man in the ditch in Luke chapter 10.  The 2 religious men who claimed to love God walked on the other side of the road because they were too busy to help. Not their problem. Then there was the Samaritan - despised by the Jews - the last person that would help a Jew - but he crossed the road and sacrificed his time and money to help someone he did not know. He showed great grace and mercy to someone he did not even know.  

So how about you? Is your plate too full to make room for others? For saying yes to Jesus? I don't need to hear the answer - but the Lord is waiting to see if you really do. Well, actually, He already knows.

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone