When we say “I Love You!” What does it mean AMY? First of all know this, “LOVE NEVER FAILS.” (1 Corin. 13:8) This love is known as, agapē: which is God’s unnatural (for us) love—indeed, a supernatural love—a love that isn’t otherwise possible, a TRUE LOVE OF DEVOTION. “This agapē is patient. Agapē is kind. Agapē does not want what belongs to others. Agapē does not brag. Agapē is not proud. Agapē is not rude. Agapē does not look out for its own interests. Agapē does not easily become angry. Agapē does not keep track of other people’s wrongs. agapē is not happy with evil. But agapē is full of joy when the truth is spoken. Agapē always protects. Agapē always trusts. Agapē always hopes. AGAPĒ NEVER GIVES UP.” (1 Corin. 13:4-7)
Let’s take a look at the meaning of love. “Simon Peter said to some of the disciples, “I am going (hupagō: a final departure) fishing.” They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night THEY CAUGHT NOTHING.” (John 21:3) What Peter declared here is that he was going back into the fishing business. He had seen Jesus twice since the resurrection and Peter had not been spoken to by Jesus. Well, Jesus appeared and told them to cast their net on the other side of the boat, they did and caught 153 large fish. Jesus then said to Peter, “Simon son of John, do you agapē me more than these (153 large fish)?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I phileo (affection, fondness, liking the other) you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” (John 21:15) Peter’s response not one of ‘sold out’ committed love but more like ‘I think you are cool.’ “Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you agapē me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I phileo you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” (John 21:16) Now listen to third question by Jesus, “The third time Jesus said to him, “Simon son of John, do you phileo me?” PETER WAS HURT because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you phileo me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I phileo you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” (John 21:17) Jesus asked Peter this way because Peter had DENIED JESUS THREE TIMES so He wanted Peter to understand what he had done.
So, what we must do AMY, is,
LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH…(Mark 12:30)
-Bill Stockham