"The God Kind of Love"

We read, (15) “So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus *said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” He *said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He *said to him, “Tend My lambs.” (16) He *said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” He *said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He *said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.” (17) He *said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus *said to him, “Tend My sheep” (John 21:15-17). In this passage, Jesus was teaching Peter, and every Christian, the kind of love needed for following Him! The key phrase is "more than these!" This phrase expresses "total commitment!" The love needed is "agapao" (God's kind of love)! This is the word Jesus used in His first question to Peter (v. 15). It's a word for love that represents "total commitment!" In responding, Peter used the word for love that's "phileo." Our Lord's second question uses the same word for love as in verse 15. Again, Peter responded the same way he did in verse 15. In verse 17, the Lord used the same word for love (phileo) that Peter responded with in the first two questions! What's the difference between these two words for love? Agapao has a much broader application, whereas phileo relates to love that’s given or shared among friends. Phileo is conditioned on being friends and liking one another! It’s a responsive love! Phileo says, “I’ll love you as longs as we remain friends!" Peter used phileo in signifying his love for Jesus, but the Lord was after Peter's unconditional commitment to Him! It's the same with every Christ follower! Our love for Christ must be one that places Him above our love for all else! Agapao is unconditional! It voluntarily suffers discomfort, inconvenience, pain, suffering, and even death for the benefit of the one loved, without expecting anything in return! Later in Peter’s life, he understood “agapao!” He died for his love (agapao) of Christ! What say you, Christ follower? Brothers and sisters, it just doesn't get any better than that! Be encouraged!