Listen

When they finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”

Simon replied, “Yes, Lord, you know I love you.”

Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” Jesus asked a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Simon replied, “Yes, Lord, you know I love you.”

Jesus said to him, “Take care of my sheep.” He asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was sad that Jesus asked him a third time, “Do you love me?” He replied, “Lord, you know everything; you know I love you.”

Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.”

John 21:15-17

Think

Spring has arrived, and love is in the air, as the saying goes. When it comes to love, a few images come to mind: love songs, puppies on Instagram, and barbecue. It’s that simple, but equally intense. Love songs make my heart swoon, puppies on Instagram make my voice five octaves higher than I would like to admit, and nothing puts an immediate smile on my face like the smell of barbecue. What about you? What gives you the feels?

In today’s Scripture, love is described in even simpler terms. Love is an action. Peter’s verbal response doesn’t matter as much as the action that follows. Jesus takes Peter’s response a step beyond the ordinary and tells him to take care of the flock, that is, to care for everyone. Love is not limited to warm, fuzzy feelings. Instead, love involves a relationship with the community. When Jesus loves, it includes the welfare and needs of everyone, even those whom I would otherwise like to ignore. Friends, how will you love Jesus today?

Aram Bae

Pray

God of incredible mercy and grace, I thank you for the depth of your love. Help me to see the ways that you ask me to love you in my friendships and relationships. Broaden my mind to see the ways you want me to love the community with your active love. Amen.

Go

Christ my Lord, be alive and real in my life.

Christ my Friend, be near and true to your word.

Christ my God, be honored in what I say and do.