Albert Farley
Jesus Christ asked Peter the above question three times in John 21:15-19. He had good reason. Earlier, Peter had said, “I will lay down my life for Your sake,” but Jesus replied, “I say to you, the rooster shall not crow till you have denied Me three times.” John 13:36-38. Yes, Peter denied Him three times – the last time he began to curse and swear. Mark 14:71. When the rooster crowed, he remembered the Lord’s words and went out and wept bitterly.
The Lord was – and is – very gracious. When He appeared to His apostles after His resurrection, He gave Peter the wonderful opportunity to confess and prove his love for Him! This divinely recorded incident can encourage all of us to examine our own love.
What is love? It is interesting to note that Jesus and Peter used two different words for love in their conversation. Jesus used the word agapao in His first two questions and phileo in His third. Peter used phileo in all three instances. Greek language teachers tell us that agapao expresses the unique attitude and heart of God, Christ, and faithful Christians toward all others, wishing them well. It is NOT based on affection for or on any perceived excellence of its object; it is love made solely by choice. On the other hand, phileo conveys tender affection to express the quality of cherishing its object.
Love requires proof – action. It is important to remember that, in response to all of Peter’s answers, Jesus commanded him to show his love. He said, “Feed My lambs … Tend My sheep … Feed My sheep.” True love is shown in deed and truth – not simply in word or tongue. 1 John 3:18.
How would we answer the above question if we were asked of God? He has good reason to ask us. We often say but do not do! In a real sense, we are being asked this question every day of our lives by our mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, children, brothers, sisters, etc.
Do we love God? Jesus said, “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” Mark 12:29-34. Proof: “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments.” 1 John 5:3.
Do we love Jesus? He said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” John 14:15. “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” 14:23.
Do we love our neighbors? “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:39; Luke 10:25-37. “Love does no harm to a neighbor.” Romans 13:10; 15:1-7.
Do we love our enemies? “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:43-48.
Dear friends, love is the supreme quality of man! Colossians 3:14. It is vital and essential – in this life and in the life to come. It needs to be confessed and expressed. Above all, it must be demonstrated. Love is eternal. “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13. Why? Because, when time shall end, there will be no need for faith or hope – these will have been completely fulfilled for all in heaven. However, love will continue throughout eternity! “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” 1 John 4:8. Do we truly love?