04/08/2024
By Pastor Vinnie Cappetta
Beyond the Words: The Call to Actively Love Jesus
Imagine you're back in time, floating in a fishing boat with Jesus’ closest friends. They're doing what they know best—fishing—yet tonight, the nets come back empty. It's a stark echo of Jesus' reminder: “Apart from me, you can do nothing.” This scene is more than just about fishing; it’s a metaphor for our own efforts without Jesus. It’s about the difference between merely existing and truly living with Him at our center.
Fast forward to a moment by the fire, Jesus turns to Peter with a question that cuts to the heart, “Do you love me?” He asks not once but three times. Each time, it's more than a question; it’s a call. A call to prove that love not just in thoughts or words, but in the way we live our lives.
The Essence of Our Calling
This is where we find ourselves being asked by Jesus, “Do you love me?” It’s a question that begs for an answer in action, in how we choose to live out our love for Him.
Consider Peter, tasked not with the skill of fishing, but with the mission to "feed my sheep." It’s a moment of transformation, turning love from a feeling into an action. This story calls us to reflect:
- How does our love for Jesus manifest?
- It’s found not in our words, but in our actions, in the tangible ways we serve and care for those around us.
Your Moment by the Fire
Put yourself in Peter’s shoes, feeling the weight of Jesus’ gaze, asking you after a miraculous catch, “Do you love me?” It’s intimate, direct, and beyond words. It's Jesus asking for your love to be seen in your actions.
How often do we profess our love for God without the backing of our actions? Real love, the kind that Jesus talks about, is shown in our "feeding His sheep," in the everyday acts of kindness, service, and care.
Turning Love into Action
Acknowledging our dependence on Jesus, every act of service, every moment spent caring for another, is our response to Jesus’ question.
- So, what concrete steps can you take today to actively show your love for Jesus?
- How can we ensure that our love for Him isn’t just heard but seen?
Whether it's helping a neighbor, serving in your church community, or supporting a friend in need, let these acts of love loudly affirm your response, “Yes, Jesus, I love you.”
The Journey Forward
Our challenge isn’t just about pushing ourselves; it’s about redefining our daily lives to visibly demonstrate our love for Jesus through actions that speak louder than any words. It’s about embodying that love in all we do because that kind of love has the potential to change the world—one act of service at a time, all in the name of Jesus.
