Restorative Love

So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs (John 15:21).

Peter’s failure in the courtyard was devastating, and Scripture doesn’t soften the moment. His bold confidence collapsed under pressure, and when the rooster crowed, he saw the truth of his own weakness. Yet the beauty of the gospel shines brightest here: Jesus did not abandon Peter to his shame. The same Lord Peter denied was the One who sought him out, restored him, and reaffirmed his calling. Grace doesn’t ignore sin, but it refuses to let sin have the final word.

On the shore of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love Me?”—a question that pierced deeper than guilt. Each affirmation from Peter was met with a commission: "Feed My sheep." Jesus tied love for Him directly to love for others. Affection alone wasn’t enough; love had to take the shape of service, care, and responsibility. In restoring Peter, Jesus revealed that genuine devotion always moves outward, touching the lives of those He treasures.

That same truth reaches us today. If we claim to love Jesus, our lives will naturally bend toward His people—encouraging, serving, giving, and showing compassion even when it costs us something. But if we drift into self-focus, we begin measuring relationships by what they offer us rather than what Christ can offer through us. Loving others is not optional for the believer; it is the visible evidence of a heart anchored in Christ.

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