Montrose, Colorado

Rev. Willis A. (Bert) Jones, a country preacher

February 9, 2014

My grandfather Jones was born on February 14th, 1880. His name was Leslie Valentine Jones. I was thinking about this the other day, which led me think about this annual day dedicated to "Love."

Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep." The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!" (John 21:15-19 -- NIV)

Notice in the scripture quoted above the words in English "truly love" as opposed to just the word "love"? The Greek is different. The first word (truly love) is agapao. The second word (love) is phileo. The first word means intentional love and affection, God kind of love without requiring a positive response. The second, phileo, has to do with fellowship, friendship and/or fondness. Note that Jesus reduced to quality of the "love" in his third question. Also note that Peter increased his response the third time by being more emphatic. The first and second "know" was a word meaning knowledge of fact and the third word had the meaning of knowledge resulting from experience.

Feel unloved? God loves you no matter what! So turn to him for acceptance. Ask him for direction.