Do I love Jesus?

John 21:¹⁵When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, 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." ¹⁶He said to him a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." ¹⁷He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep.

Jesus is reinstating Peter for the three times that he denied Him. What stands out to me is that Peter was grieved that Jesus asked three times. Jesus still asks us the same question today, "Do you love me?" Jesus and the Father are one. God asks us if we love Him or if we love other things like what we can get from Him or what He can do for us. If we love Jesus, we will take care of and love His sheep. Who are Jesus' sheep? The other people whom Jesus has called to Himself.

Do I truly love Jesus? I want to say yes. Do my actions justify my answer? Honestly, not all the time. Sometimes, I love myself more than Jesus. Sometimes, I love praise from man more than Jesus. If I truly love Jesus, the best way for me to show this is to care for and love his sheep. How have I shown others that I love them today? Well, my mom and I gave that poor man the homeless packet. I went to Bible study. I am caring for my baby and husband. I'm being more loving and appreciative towards my mom. Tonight, when I go to Fuse, I want it to be evident that I love Jesus. I want to tend to Jesus' sheep. How can I be there for those who are hurting? I did help Cortney out a bit today. But I need to love people in a way that shows them Jesus' heart. I don't think loving people is just being a nice person. I can relate to Peter when I feel grieved when Jesus asks me if I love Him. My answer is always, "Yes, I love You, Lord." But do my words and deeds match? That grief should move me towards action. I shouldn't be sad that God convicts me of my lack of expression of love for Him. I should do something about it by sharing that love with others. What I do to the least of these I do unto Him.

Heavenly Father, help me to give You my best. May I give You the most of my thoughts, actions, heart, and strength. May I not settle for just talking about loving You but really be moved to do so. Give me an opportunity tonight to really take care of Your sheep in the way that You have asked me to. May I not cling to anything of this world. May I leave it all at the foot of the cross. Help me to be more like Jesus. Change and transform me. May all my words be truthful and salted with love. May I really be on fire for You and not be lukewarm. I thank You for Your Holiness and Grace. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.