Do You Love Me?
by Tracy Bankuti
There’s a profound lesson of love and obedience, and a deep truth about the restoring heart of our Father, taught by Jesus, and played out through an intimate conversation in John 21:15-19. The word of God is a deep treasure chest and this is just one of many life-principles that could be taken out of this particular story.
Listen in as Jesus walks with Simon Peter on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, restoring his broken heart, delivering him from evil, securing his destiny and ushering the Kingdom of God forward through Peter’s life.
‘When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” 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”.
If God, who’s completely sufficient in Himself, being the Giver of all life, demonstrating His own love toward us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8), how do we then demonstrate our love toward God?
Love for God isn’t based on a feeling. It’s demonstrated by obedience to His command, whether that be His commandments, or the things that He’s asking you personally to do, say or be. Jesus says in John 14:23, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching.”
Loving Jesus means obeying Jesus. Every intimate relationship begins with a measure of feeling, but the catalyst that brings deep, lasting and true emotion is time spent together, getting to know and learning to trust one another.
Obedience doesn’t come naturally to the human heart, as it’s prone to hiding, fear, pride and self-protection in the inmost places. Only a revelation from God through His Holy Spirit can enable us to see as He sees and come into reality about our own brokenness.
Obedience with a pure heart motive invites blessing! Obedience is not striving to be good; that’s the law. We’re given the choice to accept the truth that God doesn’t punish us for disobedience; the punishment that we deserved was placed on Jesus on the cross (Isaiah 53:5). That’s grace! Maybe, today, God’s asking you the question ,“Do you love me?”
Prayer: Father, I desire the expression of my love for you to be seen in my life through obedience to Your word. Thank You that You loved me first. Teach me Your ways, Lord, and I’ll walk in Your truth. Give me an undivided heart that I may fear Your name (Psalm 86:11). Amen.
Tracy Bankuti has been part of the team at Ellel Canada East since December 2009 after coming on a healing retreat and taking the training courses with her husband George. God has miraculously restored her marriage of 35 years, her family and health and she now serves on full time team along-side her husband and daughter Allicia. She is passionate about restoration for families, enjoys teaching, ministering, playing her guitar and hiking in the forest.
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