Do you sometimes feel that you fall short in living the Christian life?
If we’re honest, I think many of us would say yes. We may put self before service; perhaps we deny Him by the words we speak, the way we live. We may be easily distracted, love only when it’s convenient, and at times willfully disobey God’s word.
Yet Jesus has an amazing way of restoring us back to Him when we fail. He doesn’t ask us to try harder. He doesn’t demean, degrade, or disgrace us. Rather, He simply asks that we consider our love for Him.
In His final post-resurrection appearance, Jesus addresses Peter, saying, “do you love me?”[1]
To Peter—the one who denied Christ three times and abandoned Him in His most crucial hour—our Lord asks, three times, “do you love me?”
And all three times, Peter answers, “Yes, Lord, You know that I love You.”
Note that Jesus doesn’t ask: “Will you please get the doctrine right?” “Will you be faithful?” “Will you go on the mission field?” but simply,
“Do you love me?”
Isn’t love built on relationship? How much time are we spending with Him? Is His presence living and real each day?
And how do we show our love for Him?
“Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.” (John 14:21 NLT)
Jesus Christ reveals Himself to those who love Him!
The early church at Ephesus was known for their righteous deeds, their patience and perseverance, their intolerance of evil. Yet over time, one thing was lacking—love. So much so, that Jesus says to them:
“But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first.” (Revelation 2:4 NLT) “. . . you have left your first love. (NKVJ)”
First means best. Jesus Christ had been their first and best love. But over time that love diminished.
Is Jesus Christ our first love? Or, like this early church, has activity replaced relationship?
Jesus asks that we examine our love for Him. If our answer is “Yes, Lord,” like Peter’s, He graciously reaffirms His will and His presence, setting our hearts at home once more.
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[1] Read the full record in John 21.
Copyright © 2016 Cheryl Elton
In Matthew 24:12, Jesus warned that “because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” Thayer’s says that iniquity is the condition of one without the law (either through ignorance or violation). The NLT translates it “Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold.” We know that Romans 14:23 says that “whatsoever is not of faith is sin” and Galatians 3:22 says “the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.” So the key to continuing in love is to continue in steadfast belief in Christ. As Peter said, I also say, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Good insights–thanks for sharing, Carol!
Amen, indeed the Lord Jesus Christ is our first love. This week during prayer and fasting the Lord reminded that spending time with Him each day is what He created me for. Cheryl your messages are ordained of God.
Christopher, the Kingdom work you are doing in Zambia is a blessing and an inspiration. Love and blessings to you and Veronica.
This post is great! Because for me, it really answers the question “Why doesn’t Christ talk more with me?” In our relationship with Christ, if we give, and continue to give Him our “First Love”, then Christ will be speaking regularly with us. Actions speak louder than words. Here is a quote from your book Pathway of Peace, which I think sums it up nicely – “Our service to Christ gauges the depth of our relationship with Him.”
Asking ourselves “who is our First Love?” every day is certainly something we can do to help keep life’s priorities in order. Thanks for your insights, Tony!
Love . . . built on relationship. Good thoughts. Thanks, Cheryl.