Do You Love Jesus?
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my sheep." -- John 21:17b
Do you love Jesus? Really, really love Him? Do you love Him because of what He's done for you? Do you love Him because of who He is? Do you love Him deep inside your soul?
Many will quickly proclaim that they do love Jesus. Of course, they do. They just don't plan to act on that love. They don't expect to change their lives or alter their plans or empty their bank accounts because they love Jesus. They'll quickly tell you that Jesus wants them to live well. They aren't likely to ever mention sharing.
Love without action doesn't mean a great deal. Love becomes just a word thrown out easily with no emotion attached to the letters that form it. Its emptiness echoes the heart of the person who speaks because it is impossible to truly love Jesus and not change the way you live.
A few protestors will insist they plan to do things differently one day. The kids will grow up -- one day. They'll retire -- one day. They'll have more money -- one day. There'll be more time -- one day. Except one day never seems to come because life -- no matter what stage you're at -- seems to make our days full and Jesus' tasks get put off again and again.
He's not looking for some grand gesture. Those things are nice but don't have the impact of the smaller steps. Like the visit to that elderly woman who lives alone. Or that bag of food left anonymously at the front door of the family with the unemployed parents. Or the walk in the park for the dog of that woman battling cancer. Or maybe just a smile, kind word and extra tip to a waitress.
Loving Jesus means touching the lives of those around us in a positive way. Sure, it means telling others about Him. But it also means doing good, lifting people up, showing kindness and compassion -- whether it's warranted or not. Loving Jesus isn't about judging who is worthy. It isn't about deciding who deserves kindness and another chance. Because Jesus always believes we're worthy. And He always gives us another chance.
So, I'll ask you again. Do you love Jesus? Do you really, really love Him? Feed His sheep.
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