100 Days of HopeSample

I Love God. Now What?

This is a familiar story to many. The trouble with familiar stories is we can cease to remember their meaning for us. It’s also troubling how easily we can overlook parts in stories because we think we already know everything important about them. Take a closer look at this familiar conversation.

Peter had denied Jesus three times just before the crucifixion. Now, after the resurrection, Jesus is once again with Peter and asking him three times to reaffirm his devotion. For most of us, that is what we remember. Peter said he loved Jesus, so what? Most people, except for militant atheists, would say they love God. It may not mean much, but they feel kindly toward him. Wouldn’t you agree that you love Jesus? Does our love have meaning beyond a sentiment?

Jesus tells us what he wants our love to mean if it is truly genuine. In this story, each time Peter said, “I love you” Jesus responded with, “Feed my sheep.” Jesus wanted Peter and believers like you and me to make our primary duty the spiritual feeding of the sheep, people who follow him. Doing this is critical because, as the Bible says in Amos 8:11, there is “… a famine of hearing the words of the Lord.” Feeding His sheep is a sure way to show that we truly love Jesus.

Prayer: Father, thank you for showing me your love by sending your son, Jesus. Using His example and his conversation with Peter, let me be fully devoted to teaching others the Word of God. In all that I do and say, may I exemplify supreme love for you and My Lord, Jesus Christ.