The Bible clarifies how love for Jesus is displayed. John 14:21 - Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
But there's more to loving Jesus. Over the course of three verses, He highlighted to Simon Peter that the way to show his love was to take care of people.
John 21:15 - 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.”
John 21:16 - 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.”
John 21:17 - 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.
We are equally called to take care of others. This may include spending for them, praying for them, or lending them an ear. While these options address the physical condition of those Jesus cares for, we must also be concerned with their spiritual well-being and feed them the word of God.
Matthew 4:4 - Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Here, the Savior made it clear that God's word is the food that nourishes our souls. Prophet Jeremiah said similarly in Jeremiah 15:16 - Your words are what sustain me; they are food to my hungry soul. They bring joy to my sorrowing heart and delight me. How proud I am to bear your name, O Lord (TLB).
We cannot feed anyone God's word if we don't know it ourselves. As such, we need to study the Bible and rely upon the Holy Spirit to do for us what Jesus did for His disciples in Luke 24:45 - Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.
As we apply what Jesus said to Simon Peter - take care of His sheep and feed them - we show that we love Him and obey His instructions. Let us pour love on others today and always.
To read old posts related to today's topic:
From AA - Thank you God for showing yourself to me and never leaving me. Thank you for the vessels (people) that God has used in my walk with Him and blessings to you all.