Daily Devotions

Perhaps the most poignant conversation between Jesus and Peter is the one on the seashore after the Resurrection and includes the words “do you love me?” John 21:15

At the end of all Jesus' instructions to his followers, he asks the simple question that grounds all discipleship; whether we love him. We may sometimes wonder about the strength of our faith and our love. Yet like Peter, we just hope that the Lord knows we love him as we try to live out this love in our lives.

I wonder, why did Jesus ask Peter the same question three times? Perhaps it was not just that Jesus wanted an answer, but wanted Peter to hear himself profess his love. As we engage in conversation with Jesus in our prayers, he hears us. As we listen to ourselves, we can notice what is deep in our heart.

We need to realise that not all our love is expressed in our words. In fact, our faith is sometimes stumbling and inarticulate. We need to ask, do we give thanks to God who attends to us at a level that is deeper than our words, who looks even beyond our actions, who values what is in our heart. I pray that I may give expression to God's very presence in me.

Lord, I want to answer like Peter: You know all things. You know that I love you. Maybe my life does not square with that - neither did Peter's, when he denied you. But you know my heart, and make allowance. May I grow in your love. Amen