WHAT IS TRUE LOVE?

Knowledgeable Bible Students know that, in the Greek Text, Jesus used the word “agapas” in His first question, a form of the familiar Greek word: “agape.” ‘Simon son of John, do you “agapas” me?’ “Agape” is the highest love. Peter answered, ‘Lord, You know that I “phileo” You.’ “Phileo” is a friendly, filial love, the love towards friends and relatives. To paraphrase, Jesus was saying, ‘Do you love Me with the “highest, self-sacrificing love?’ and Peter replies, ‘Well, Jesus, You know that “I like You as a friend.”

Jesus repeated the same question, using “agape.” Again, Peter replied in the positive, using “phileo.” Then in the third round, something interesting happened. Jesus asked Peter, ‘Do you love Me with “phileo” love?”

Notice what happened. Jesus brought Himself down to the level of “phileo”, because that is all that Peter can muster for the moment. Peter was hurt. I like to read between the lines of Peter’s reply. I think that he was saying something like this, ‘Lord, I don’t feel that I love You enough. You are seeking the “agape” love, but I don’t have “agape.” “Phileo” is all that I can give You. Whatever love I have, please accept it.’

And that was good enough for the Master.

Three years before, when Jesus first set eyes on Peter, He said, “Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19.) Now, after all the blunders, carnality, and yes, even denial, He still invited Peter to follow Him. This time, not to fish for men, but to tend His sheep.

So, too, Jesus brings Himself down at the level of our love, tainted through it may be with sin and selfishness, Jesus then sets out to purify and heighten that love. In romance terms, this is so that we may love Jesus more than we did yesterday and love Him more tomorrow.

From the Book: How to Mend a Broken Heart

Written By: Nelson T. Dy

God Bless Us..

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