“He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, 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, “Feed My sheep” John 21:17, NKJV.

It can be hard to run for Jesus when you have denied Him. Peter did it three times. After Jesus rose from the dead and visited the disciples, Jesus asked him three times on purpose do you love me? It was evident that Jesus was making a point to deal with the root of the issues Peter had, and He wanted him to move beyond them.

Do you feel like Peter? Jesus knows you love Him, but your denial, your sin, and your mistakes have turned you from pursuing His will for your life. You told Him you would stand for Him, you said you would be there, but you have left Him multiple times. In fact, you have decided to not even pursue God’s call any longer.

In these moments, only one question matters to the Lord: “Do you love Me?” If you love Jesus, feed His sheep. If you love Jesus, get back up. If you love Jesus, go on and run your race. He loves you and He has dealt with everything that you have been through. Do what He has asked you to do, not because you’re perfect, but because you love Him.

Prayer: Father, I praise you and thank you for speaking to me. Jesus, I have been hurt by how I failed you. Yet, all you want to know is do I love you and I do. Help me to forgive myself and deal with every issue in me. I will get up and I will feed your sheep. Thank you Father for your grace and mercy toward me. Thank you for the great love you have for me. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

Read: John 21:15-19, Acts 2:40-41