Grace

Grace

After breakfast Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. Once more he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.”

John 21:15-17

These verses are encouraging for any Christian mom who’s wondered, How can I nurture my children spiritually when I’ve struggled spiritually myself? The scene in which John 21:15-17 took place was pregnant with grace for Jesus’ disciples—and it is for us, too.

Some days before the breakfast on the shore, Peter had denied Christ three times and wept bitterly afterward. He knew he had failed, and so did Jesus. Now Jesus appeared to his disciples for the third time after his death and resurrection. It was gracious of Jesus to approach Peter with the goal of restoration, though his straightforward questions probably left Peter feeling very uncomfortable. True friends speak the truth in love, and that is a grace of sorts.

Just as Peter denied Jesus three times, Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love me?” Bottom line: Jesus wanted to know if Peter was serious about his love for Christ. Jesus graciously offered Peter a chance to demonstrate his love through service.

Like Peter, we moms have sometimes failed Christ. We too need to grieve over our sin, repent (turn around and go the other direction with no intention to return), and concentrate on the most important thing—loving Christ. As we love him, our joyful service will be the natural result of our love. Our service to Christ is an outgrowth of his grace to us.

Gracious Savior,

Like Peter, all of us fail you at various times. Thank you for your loving grace that seeks us out, confronts us with truth, and offers us restoration. In Jesus’ name, amen.