In John 21, the Bible records a conversation between Jesus and Peter in which Jesus asks Peter three times, “lovest thou me“? Peter responds with, “Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee.”
Interestingly, after each exchange, Jesus instructed Peter not just to declare his love with his words, but Jesus wanted Peter to demonstrate his love with his actions. Jesus says, “Peter, if you love me, 'Feed my sheep.” In a colloquial sense, He’s saying, “Peter, don’t just talk about it, be about it.”
When you read about Peter’s life in the book of Acts, you see a man who, in spite of great trial and adversity, boldly demonstrates his love for Christ.
I remember as a child seeing a quote framed and hanging on a wall. The quote read, "If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?" Personally, this quote, and Peter's example, motivate me to be public with my love for Christ. Peter literally was arrested for being a Christian, on more than one occasion. His accusers found plenty of evidence to prove Peter's love for Christ.
Peter’s discussion with Jesus in John 21 was a spiritual revival and refocus for the apostle. Because of that discourse, God used Peter to do amazing things for His honor and glory.
Let us learn from the example of Peter to not just declare our love for Jesus with our lips, but let us demonstrate our love for Christ to a world who desperately needs to see bold, loving and faithful Christians.
Let’s not just talk about it but let’s be about it.
This devotion was written by Pastor James C. Johnson. These devotionals are being published throughout this pandemic in an effort to further strengthen the faith of our NorthStone church family. Feel free to comment below to offer your feedback about today's devotion.