We love Him because
He first loved us.
1 John 4:19
The
Gospel according to John ends with a familiar exchange between Jesus and Peter.
Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love Me?” It’s hard to separate that
conversation from our knowledge of Peter’s threefold denial of Jesus. Thus,
this passage is often recognized as a “restoration”. John was nearby while the
conversation took place. Perhaps it informed his understanding of the love of
God. Many years later, John reminded the church that our love is dependent upon
God’s love. Our love is a responsive love. In order to love others we must
trust in God’s love for us. The restoration of Peter reminds us of our need to
receive God’s love and trust in His forgiveness. Brennan Manning writes,
“Underestimate the love of the crucified and risen Jesus, and the shadow of
shame, guilt, and fear darkens our space without respite.” God has not called
us to live in the shadows. His love enabled Peter to embrace forgiveness and
move forward to serve God and others. The love of the crucified and risen Jesus
enables us to do the same.
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