Love that requires action...

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" (Bonny trail... Curious side note: "more than these" is referring to what? Is He asking if Simon is claiming to love Jesus more than what the other disciples love Jesus? Or is He asking if Simon loves Jesus more than Simon loves the other disciples? If the first case is true, acts of service could be gauge of how much love is on display. The second instance would seem to suggest loving Christ is best demonstrated by loving others....kind of a Catch 22... getting back on track...)

"Yes, Lord," he said, "You know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." Again Jesus said, "Simon, son of John, do you truly 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."

John 21:15-17

The English language does not do this passage of scripture justice. Reading it this way, I am tempted to take Simon's side in this argument. "Jesus, I obviously love you or I wouldn't stand here and put up with you repeatedly asking me this in the first place!"

There are two words that are both being translated love. Agapao refers to love in a social or moral sense. Phileo refers to affection, being fond of someone. Let's take a look at this again with a touch more clarity.

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you truly express your love through acts of social or moral service for me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "You know that I am fond of you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." Again Jesus said, "Simon, son of John, do you truly express your love through acts of social or moral service for me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I am fond of you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep." The third time he said to him, "Simon, son of John, do you feel affection toward me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you feel affection toward me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things, you know that I am fond of you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep."

John 21:15-17

Do you "feed His sheep"? Jesus is the BREAD of LIFE. Do you give others Jesus? Do you point others to their Savior by loving them well?  

Lord, you know all things! You know that I am fond of you. You are my all time favorite person. Do I agapao you? So now, I ask myself, "what social / moral acts can I point to that show to the world my agapao for Christ?" You said in John 14:14 that I may ask you for anything in your name, and you will do it so I am asking that you please show me what feeding your sheep looks like in my life and give me the courage to engage in agapao. Love thru me.

-Me