The Upper Room Devotion for Monday, June 10, 2024, was written by John Cross of Missouri.
Scripture
15 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.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 A second time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.
John 21:15-17 NRSV
Author's Thoughts
In the early days of dating my wife, I messed up - badly. I owned up to my mistake, but she was hurt and rightfully so. I remember wanting to skip over the next part, the awkwardness that comes when a relationship is in healing mode. But I pushed through, and our relationship grew as a result.
There are no shortcuts to mending fractured relationships. Maybe that's why Jesus handles his reunion with Peter by asking him, "Do you love me?" not once, not twice, but three times. Each repetition is a step toward healing, and an opportunity for Peter to be honest. Through that honesty, Peter can move past the pain of betraying his friend and accept the grace of forgiveness that Jesus offers.
No matter how stark our betrayal, no matter how strong our belief that we aren't worthy of grace, Christ's love for us is steady and eternal. Jesus is always waiting ready to respond with grace, ready to empower us to follow whereever he leads.
Author's Prayer
Dear Jesus, give us the strength to work through the healing process in our relatrionships, even when we are the ones in need of grace. Amen.
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