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If You Love Me (Really Love Me)
by PamFord Davis It is difficult to prove our love for someone. We can say all the right things, and we should give affirming words often. Is that enough? Open demonstrations of affection are unspoken words which imply a deep love. Are they always sincere? The best test of our love is faithfulness following words of commitment. When we fail to keep that trust our love is tarnished. Fine silver is not tossed aside when tarnished, it is polished to perfection. "When Jesus and his disciples had finished eating, he asked, Simon son of John, do you love me more than the others do? Simon Peter answered, Yes, Lord, you know I do! Then feed my lambs, Jesus said. Jesus asked a second time, Simon son of John, do you love me? Peter answered, Yes, Lord, you know I love you! Then take care of my sheep, Jesus told him. Jesus asked a third time, Simon son of John, do you love me? Peter was hurt because Jesus had asked him three times if he loved him. So he told Jesus, Lord, you know everything. You know I love you. Jesus replied, Feed my sheep (John 21:15-17 CEV)." Peter denied his Lord three times on the night of Jesus arrest. Here he verbally confessed his love three times. Jesus did not cast him off because of his tarnished reputation. He gave him a specific task. Feed His sheep. What is the diet we need as sheep in God's fold? We require God's word as our daily bread. Peter proclaimed that message until his death. Yes, he loved Jesus. He fed Jesus' young lambs and full grown sheep. Published articles in Mature Living Magazine, Devotions for the Deaf, The Secret Place, Coosa Journal, Mary Hollingsworth's The One Year Devotional of Joy and Laughter, Jo Krueger's Every Day in God's Word. http://www.pamforddavis.com http://www.faithwriters.com/member-profile.php? Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |