Do you love Jesus?
House of Faith Ministries
Rev. Bruce A. Shields DD
www.PS127.org (989) 362-7831
First we must ask ourselves, What is Love?
Example: How is the word LOVE used today?
1. example
2. example
3. example
In our culture there is a general misconception of what LOVE is. Society tells us that 2 consenting adults can meet, love each other, then the next day never speak again. Because of this cultural misunderstanding and misuse of the word LOVE, we don’t understand what it means to God.
We hear things like;
* God is a loving God
* God loves us
* Jesus loves the little children
Even the Readers Digest’s Great Encyclopedic Dictionary defines love properly as:
Love (luv) 1. A deep devotion or affection for another person.
(Theology)
a. The benevolence and mercifulness of God toward mankind.
b. The adoration or affection of man toward God.
c. The kindness and charitableness man should show toward others.
How does God define love?
KJV 1 John 4:8-10
KJV Ephesians 5:25
KJV John 3:16
God’s definition is not self seeking, but giving.
KJV 1 Corinthians 13:1-5
God, being love, means He cares for us.
KJV 1 Peter 5:6-7
How Jesus defines love in the scriptures.
KJV John 14:15
KJV John 14:21
KJV John 14:23
KJV John 15:10
More than loving, Jesus wants a friendship with us.
KJV John 15:12-15
KJV John 21:15-17
15. So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
Q: Do you love me like a brother? (agapao ¡ to love socially in a moral sense)
A: I am your friend! (phileo ¡ to be a friend)
Command: feed my lambs.
{Lamb ¡ innocent, helpless.}
16. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Shepherd (in literal) my sheep.
Q: Do you love me like a brother? (Agapao ¡ to love socially in a moral sense)
A: I am your friend! (Phileo ¡ to be a friend)
Command: Shepherd (to tend to or supervise) my sheep.
{Sheep ¡ followers of Christ}
17. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed the little (in literal) sheep.
Q: Are you my friend? (Phileo ¡ to be a friend)
Peter distressed over the third question probably because of the painful reminder that he denied Christ 3 times.
A: Lord, you see all things. You know I am your friend.
Command: Feed the little sheep.
{Little Sheep ¡ Young followers such as Timothy who need nurturing and raised on the word of God.}
So the question is asked. Now that we know God’s definition of love, knowing He first loved us, do we love Him?
Do we;
* Have a deep devotion for Him?
* Have an adoration or affection toward Him?
* Show kindness and charitableness toward others?
* Are we unselfish and giving?
* Keep His commands?
* Make ourselves available for the innocent, helpless lambs?
* Tend to His followers?
Finally, are you a friend of Jesus?
