DO YOU REALLY LOVE ME?

When Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love Me?” in John 21:15–17, He wasn’t asking for an emotional confession. He was calling Peter to a deeper level of commitment, one that would show itself through action. Each time Peter said, “Yes, Lord,” Jesus responded with a command: Feed My lambs. Tend My sheep. Feed My sheep. In other words, If you love Me, take care of My people. If you love Me, do what I say.

Love for Jesus is never proven by words alone. It is revealed in obedience. Jesus said plainly, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” Real love moves us beyond feelings and into faithfulness. Real love pushes us to live out what we say we believe. Real love compels us to treat others the way Christ has treated us.

If we truly love the Lord Jesus Christ, we would be willing to come together at the table of brotherly love and deal honestly with the issues that separate us. Love does not avoid truth, but it also does not weaponize it. Love listens. Love forgives. Love seeks unity. Love chooses reconciliation over resentment. Jesus prayed that His followers would be one, not divided, not competing, not tearing each other down, but united in Him.

If we really love Jesus, we would love our neighbor as ourselves. We would not try to cross one another out, silence one another, or undermine one another. We would not let jealousy, pride, or offense destroy relationships that God intended to strengthen His kingdom. Instead, we would honor one another, support one another, and build one another up. Jesus said, “By this shall all men know that you are My disciples, if you have love one to another.” Our love for each other is the evidence of our love for Him.

So the question Jesus asked Peter is the same question He asks us today: Do you really love Me? Not just with your lips, but with your life. Not just in worship, but in relationships. Not just in prayer, but in how you treat the people around you. Love is proven in how we obey Him, how we forgive, how we serve, and how we walk together in unity.

If we truly love Him, we will love like Him. And when we love like Him, the world will see Him through us.

Bishop Charlene M. Jamison

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