Do You Still Love God?

Pastor Eric was teaching on the book of Revelation, about how some of the churches had lost that passionate love they had for God in the beginning.

Then he asked the listeners if we love God like we used to in the beginning, when we first believed and lived for Him.

My mind jumped to answer that question immediately, "Of course. I have always loved God". My heart tells my mind to chill and pause to actually consider it more carefully. I begin to feel uncomfortable.

When Peter had denied knowing Jesus three times, out of fear, Jesus later gave him the opportunity to confess his love for Jesus three times. His response reminds me of mine a bit.

^"When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you 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 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. Very truly I tell you, 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)

Luke 22:62 tells us that Peter wept bitterly after denying Jesus the third time. It even says Jesus turned to Peter during that third denial in verse 61. I'm sure much can be said about the passages above, but a simple observation we can make here is that Jesus did know that Peter loved him, and to what extent he would offer his life for Jesus, and still he wanted Peter to say it and understand that love is more than a feeling, or something that someone knows is the case.

"Of course. I have always loved God", I said to myself. I probably then reassured myself, "and God knows this too". Still, in Peter's story we learn that love can be denied out of fear, and need to be restored, and in Revelation we learn that it's possible for our love for God to dwindle.

How am I living this life for God?

How is my private relationship with Him?

How is my public declaration of Him before others?

Am I closing my heart's emotions to Him?

Am I thinking about Him and giving Him the place He deserves in my mind?

Just some questions for us to ponder this week.