How many times do we need to hear those words “I love you” spoken to us. It’s the confirmation of those three small words that are so important to our being, even if, many times, we know deep down inside they may not feel like enough or empty in their meaning. You and I were not only created to love one another, but also to be loved. We search our whole lives to feel and experience that love. We search high and low, looking for the right person that will set our heart on fire and change everything. Some may be successful in finding that earthly love, but others never see and get confirmation to that which is always right in front of us – our one true love.
One of my favorite stories in the bible, that sets my own heart on fire, comes from John 21. Just when the disciples thought they had lost everything after Jesus was crucified, they were obviously distraught. Simon Peter, in an attempt to distract himself from the sorrow he felt, said to the other disciples, “ ‘I am going fishing.’ They said, ‘And we are coming with you.’ So, they went out and got into the boat; and that night they caught nothing. As morning was breaking, Jesus came and stood on the beach; however, the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.”
Then, the confirmation of the love Peter had for our Lord comes when he realizes it is Jesus standing on the shore. He exclaims, “It is the Lord!”
Simon Peter, still out in the boat, puts on his outer tunic and “threw himself into the sea” and swam ashore. Jesus then, after having breakfast together with the other disciples, asks Simon Peter personally, “Do you love me?” Not only one time does he pose that question to him, but three times Jesus asks. Jesus had His reasons. He desired Simon Peter’s whole heart, his whole love, his whole commitment AND desired confirmation that the disciple’s love was true. And that’s what He wants from you and me – our whole hearts. He needs confirmation through our words, actions and deeds.
No matter how many times we love someone, it will never be the complete love that comes from following our Lord, Jesus. Who else was willing to die for us, who else never gives up on us, who offers His all and takes on our burdens to lighten our load when we unknowingly are searching for other answers to true love?
This week is the beginning of the 40 days of Lent. Jesus is standing on our shore, asking you and me directly, “Do you love me?” What a great story to pray and reflect on during our Lenten season, a story of the ultimate true love. Let’s work on giving Jesus our confirming words, “Yes Lord, you know that I love you.” “And he said to Him, ‘Lord, You know everything; You know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.’” John 21:17
From God's Lips 