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'Christ in You...'
by Dale Krebbs
"Have I told you lately that I love you? Could I tell you once again somehow?" This is title line and part of the lyrics of a romantic melody that was extremely popular in the "50's.
What could you honestly say to Jesus if he asked the same question of you that He asked Peter? Intriguing and touching is the section of scripture that closes the book of John. It is also soul searching. Fill in your name "______ do you love Me?" (John 21:15-17)
The directness of our Lord is almost stunning. It apparently at least became so, as Peter attempted to satisfy Jesus question with an acceptable answer that would end His probing of Peter's soul. When we talk to God, every "talk" is a prayer. This is because He always hears us as we really are, through the works, through the heart, to the very reality of who we are. He does this in a way that we cannot comprehend And we should be very thankful. Because sometimes the words and thoughts get all jumbled up in a mixture of desperation, fear, and confusion. Not to Him, but to us.
You see, God loves you because He does know you. This is the way He knows us, and the way He loves us. Can you honestly, and from your heart of heart tell Jesus Christ that you love Him? If this seems an embarrassing question, it could be that you need to think about the many times and ways He has told you "_____, I love you!". The way Jesus asked Peter that question, He used a slightly different word for love each time. In doing so, He meant to cover the entire spectrum of what it means to love. There is the love of friendship. There is love in what we might refer to as soul love, or sacrificial love - love without conditions.
Most love in friendship is conditional, although this is seldom realized until there is a conflict of personal interest, or the calling forth of some type of sacrifice. God - the Father, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit, are Beings with real emotions, and feelings. Not just like ours perhaps, but in all the essentials, just like us.God regret ed having made mankind (Genesis 6:6). Jesus wept over what He knew was going to occur to Jerusalem; and we can "grieve the Holy Spirit" (Ephesians 4:30).
Do you like to be appreciated, valued - and loved? If you are completely honest, of course you do! Perhaps some macho men avoid their real desires and deep down feelings, but if they are truly honest they desire to be loved - by someone. Jesus Christ loves you so much, He went through what you cannot imagine, in order to show His love for you. When you pray, do you pray to the wall in your chamber, or the floor, the ceiling, or to living Beings with all the emotions that you experience every day?
Can you, at the very least, fall down on your knees, and tell Him you love Him - for what He did and is going?
"Then when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these do?” He replied, Yes, Lord, you know I love you.” Jesus told him, “Feed my lambs.” Jesus said a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He replied, “Yes, Lord, you know I love you.” Jesus told him, “Shepherd my sheep.” Jesus said a third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was distressed that Jesus asked him a third time, “Do you love me?” and said,4 “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus replied, “Feed my sheep." - John 21:15-17 (NET)
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