“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).
It was necessary that Simon Peter, who with his mouth denied Christ thrice, should with same mouth confess his love for him thrice also. At this time, it was clear that Peter had not realized the enormous responsibility placed on him as the head of the apostolic team. It was necessary for Christ to drum it to him by getting him to confess his love for him above the mundane concerns. It was very important for Peter to be properly educated about his position which required true and genuine love to operate properly. In verse 17 when the Lord asked him the third time, Peter was grieved. Such grieving was very necessary considering all that had happened. True love comes from the heart and not just mere confession of the mouth. In John 3:16, Jesus stated God’s true love for humanity which was demonstrated at Calvary. When we love from the heart we are grieved when such love is doubted. It pains like a stab with a dagger when your true and genuine love is doubted by someone you love. Such should be our love for our savior and master Jesus Christ.
If we work in an office where we are ashamed to declare our faith then our confession of love for him is not from the heart. If we work in an office where we have confessed Christ, but our attitude does not represent him, instead our conduct throws aspersion on his name, then we cannot claim to love him. If you took cash advance from your office to travel and you present false receipts to settle such advance, your action is not a true reflection of genuine love for God. Galatians 6:7(KJV) says “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” Our confession of love for our God need to carry the same weight both in the secret and in the open, knowing that our God sees and knows all that happens in the secret. Love is not loud, but firm, quiet and peaceful. We must be sincere in asking the Holy Spirit to possess us with the true love of God.
Prayer: Father, give me the grace to continue loving you from the depth of my heart in Jesus name.
Bro. Joel Ezeugo