Because of Love

“Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?...Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. John 21:15 (NLT)

Over the past week, we’ve been talking about sacrifice—the act of giving something up that you value because you value something else more.

True sacrifice is an expression of love, but some people sacrifice for the wrong reason. They give their time and resources to be loved rather than because they love. These people are engaging in what I call toxic love. They try to meet others’ needs and keep them happy so they will be noticed and loved.

For example, some also volunteer at church just so people will like them. Others do it to try to earn God’s love. In reality, God loves the person who never sets foot inside a church just as much as the person who serves tirelessly all their life. Both may not have the same sense of fulfilment, but they’re loved equally. God’s love is not something you need to earn.

We sacrifice BECAUSE we are loved, not to EARN love. It’s a response. We realize God loves us unconditionally, which makes us love and want to serve Him. Jesus was referring to this love response in our verse today. He was asking Simon Peter to demonstrate his love for Jesus by feeding His lambs—taking care of other believers.

Just as He did with Peter, Jesus is asking you to express your love for Him with action. He’s asking you to reach out to others in love. When you do, it’s like you’re doing that act of kindness for Him (Matthew 25:37–40).

God loves you. Always remember that. Now…how will you respond to that love?