What Does it Mean to Love God?

“Again Jesus said, “Simon, son of John, do you truly love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep” John 21:16

Pain brings us back to the basics of our faith. “Do you love Me?”

It’s a question Jesus asked Peter, his beaten, confused disciple.

In view of what had happened in the past week of crucifixion, Jesus might have asked Peter, “Do you understand what has happened?” This is the approach he used with the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. As he walked with them he explained to them “beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself” (Luke 24:27).

But not with Peter. He cut through this disciple’s hurt and confusion and shame with one basic question, “Do you love me?”

Likewise in my confusion and pain, God did not give me an explanation. Like he did with Peter, He brought me back to this basic of the Christian faith: Do you love me? Even though prayers go unanswered. Your dreams lie buried. The wrong seems to triumph. Do you love me?”

“Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”

Our Loving God does not erase painful human emotions. Despite the turmoil, love grabs the steering wheel of our wills and pulls us towards God. We may journey through chilling mists of discouragement, doubt, and self-pity for a while, but our direction is clear.

Faith is not a grin-and-bear-it approach, but rather a quiet but firm determination: we will believe God is good no matter what circumstances look like. We will keep holding onto loving and obeying God.

Are you ready to say with me: “Father, you know that I love you.”

By Helen Lescheid
Used by Permission

What Does it Mean to Love God?

Pain brings us back to the basics of our faith. “Do you love Me?”

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