The Most Authentic Way
Levels of Love – Part 2

Scripture Reading: John 21:15-19

Key Verse: 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.

Yesterday we discussed the two verbs that Jesus and Peter used in the scriptures; both are translated as “love” in the English language.  These two verbs reference two levels; the one Jesus used was deep, supreme and perfect.  The verb Peter used was shallower—more like a friendship.

What level of love can we accomplish in our relationship with God?  The much older and Spirit-filled Peter wrote: “Though you have not seen Him, you love Him…and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.”  It’s in this verse that Peter uses the same verb that Jesus used when they had the discussion in John 21:17.

We who have believed and received the Spirit of Christ Jesus into our hearts have the ability to love Jesus as He wants to be loved.  This doesn’t mean that we can always feel this love because human emotions vary from day to day.  This love is not about feeling but about internal values—what means the most to us.  Jesus’ word, as you remember, referenced an ardent and supreme aspect to love.  In other words, He wants to know that He is first in your life!  The Apostle John said it this way: “This is love for God: to obey His commands” (1 John 5:3).  Every day of our lives this is a decision to be made: obey my wants or obey what God wants!

Father, I will love you more than I love myself today.  I will do what you want—not what I want.  In Jesus’ name, amen.