He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not.

John 21:17
17 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.

Does this question that Jesus asked sound familiar? Notice how it says "Jesus asked him the third time." Jesus is asking Peter if he really loves the Lord. Peter's response is a polar opposite to the way he answered just days before: (Matthew 26:35 - But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same).

So many times our own identity gets in our way and speaks out very bluntly. Our true love that exists within our spiritual well-being, however, is only discovered when we experience the pain Jesus felt when Peter answered this question.

You see, Peter just loved Jesus the way a typical man loves a good-natured individual. This is no extraordinary love; it's just emotional love that never affects the spirit of a person. True love isn't just a matter of declaration.

When the Lord asks us to respond to this question, it's definitely hard to respond as we should because we feel like we're in pain trying to make sure all of our life is in line with God's. Still, this painful moment is how God convicts us and reveals his truth.