How Much Do You Love Me?by Dr. Geraldine Harris-McInnis
So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter,"Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these? He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Feed My lambs." John 21:15 (NKJV)
How do you interpret love? People are daily searching for its true meaning. In our society we equate love to various actions such as, elaborate gift giving, sharing space with a committed partner, or whispering sweet nothings in one's ear until goose bumps pop up on their skin.
But, is that true love? When I was growing up as a kid there were several approaches we made to discover if we were loved. In our own child-like way we would find a flower and anxiously pluck each petal off with the words "he loves me...he loves me not." Whatever that last petal indicated was our sign of being loved or unloved.
Then to really settle our inquisitive hearts we would send a folded note with the scribbled words "Do You Love Me?" At the bottom of the note were the words "yes" or "no" printed in separate boxes. By the close of school the note was handed back with its response. That response would either enlighten our day or crush our hearts.
In the scriptures (John 21:15) we find Jesus having breakfast with Simon Peter. Jesus had a three-fold questionnaire for Peter to answer. The strange and perplexing thing to Peter was that the basis of the examination was the same: Do you love Me?
During my studies it is noted that Jesus was speaking of the unconditional agape love. But Peter's response was the phileo or a "fond of you" love. Even though Peter's love was not on the same plateau as Jesus' love, Peter was left with a charge and a responsibility. He was instructed by Jesus to feed and to care for the sheep - His people. For "we are His people and the sheep of His pasture." Psalm 100:3(b) As preachers, teachers and leaders we must feed, train and equip God's people spiritually from infancy to maturity.
Love carries a responsibility and a commitment. If we say "I love you" then we should show some signs in our actions, duties and deeds. Attached to our various levels of love should be acts of service to help advance others in their conquests, visions and aspirations.
Can we do a brief examination as we reflect on the depth of our love to Jesus as present-day disciples? Will we do anything in our hearts for Him or are we just doing things for the breakfast and dining experience? Would we still love Jesus with a fiery love if He did not give us a big church and a nationally known television ministry? Do we love the Lord with an unconditional love that matches His love towards us?
Take a few quiet moments and express your true love to God in all sincerity, transparency and openness. We may have to learn how to really be in love with the Lord, again! Let's continue to take care of God's flock as we grow deeper in love with the Great Shepherd! God's love for you will always be greater as He sees you through your journey!
Dr. Geraldine McInnis lives in Bowie, MD and is joined in marriage and ministry with her husband Larry for over 30 years. They have three adult children and one grandson.Geraldine earned her Masters Degree in Christian Counseling and a Doctorate in Theology. She is a crisis interventionist and has pastored for over 16 years.She is one of the refreshing prophetic voices in the Christian arena. Visit Dr. Mom at: www.DrLadyGMcInnis.org and www.myspace.com/dr_gmcinnis
