John 21:15-17 TPT
After they had breakfast, Jesus said to Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you burn with love for Me more than these?" Peter answered, "Yes, Lord! You know that I have great affection for You!" "Then take care of My lambs," Jesus said. [16] Jesus repeated His question the second time, "Simon, son of John, do you burn with love for Me?" Peter answered, "Yes, my Lord! You know that I have great affection for You!" "Then take care of My sheep," Jesus said. [17] Then Jesus asked him again, "Peter, son of John, do you have great affection for Me?" Peter was saddened by being asked the third time and said, "My Lord, You know everything. You know that I burn with love for You!" Jesus replied, "Then feed My lambs!
The crux of following Jesus is not so much believing, but more, it is loving Him.
There are many people who believe in Jesus, perhaps church pews are filled with believers.
But what about Jesus lovers?
How many truly burn with love for Him?
When Jesus asked Peter 3 times if he loved Him, Jesus used different types of the word love (that we don't have in English).
So we don't get the fine tuning of Jesus' questions.
Jesus wants to inspire and draw out of us the greatest form of love - "agape" love.
Agape is often defined as unconditional, sacrificial love.
Agape is the kind of love that is felt by a person willing to do anything for another, including sacrificing themselves, without expecting anything in return.
So I ask myself today: "How much do I love Jesus?"
Is it just an affection like I have for a friend? Or is it a passionate first in my heart?
I remember bursting with love for Jesus when I was first filled with the Holy Spirit.
That love revolutionised my life.
It was crazy love, that smashed up all other devotions.
I just wanted to "eat, sleep & drink" Jesus.
So, could Jesus rightly speak this to me today?
Revelation 2:4-5 TPT
But I have this against you: you have abandoned the passionate love you had for Me at the beginning. [5] Think about how far you have fallen! Repent and do the works of love you did at first. I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place of influence if you do not repent.
It is a sobering "heart" question.
Selah.
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