Asking About Love Again
My dear son,
Will you tell me in your own voice that you love me today? You need not make a grand pledge or claim to be better than someone else. I want to hear your sincere heart. Take your time answering your Father.
As Jesus asked Peter about his love and entrusted the sheep to his care, let your love reach those nearby. Listen to what someone needs, and offer the care entrusted to you with tenderness.
Look honestly at anything that needs changing, and ask for strength to love again. Think with me tonight of one person you want to care for. I delight in seeing your love for me grow into everyday acts of care.
With all my love,
Your Father
John 21:15–17
WEB15So when they had eaten their 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 have affection for you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.”
16He 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 have affection for you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.”
17He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you have affection for me?” Peter was grieved because he asked him the third time, “Do you have affection for me?” He said to him, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I have affection for you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.
A short reflection
The risen Jesus asks Peter three times whether he loves him and entrusts him with feeding and tending his sheep.
World English Bible (WEB) · Public DomainRead the chapter