August 19 – “Do you love Me?”

Day 231 – Read John 21

 

John 21:15 – 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.”

 

When Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him “more than these,” it is not certain if He is referring to the other disciples, or to the fish. Both interpretations are correct. But our focus should not be on Peter, but on ourselves. It is a good exercise to put your name in place of Peter’s and ask, “Do you love Me more than these?”

The great commandment is to love God will our whole being. People can be very religious, but not love God. One can know all of the doctrines, but not love God. One can even be a good person, and still not love God. But, if we love God first, everything else will fall into place. If love for God is our primary motivation, all we do will be pleasing to Him. Our love for God will keep us from sin, keep us from seeking worldly things, and keep us from mistreating our fellow man.

Jesus was about to ascend to heaven and leave the gospel in the hands of His followers. He knew that if they truly loved God, He could trust them with things of eternal value. That’s really what Christianity is all about, loving God and loving people. Major in love.