Feed My Sheep

Love’s Source

Agape and Phileo. Synonyms where both are used to demonstrate God’s love for His Son.

John 3:35 is agape “The Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hand.”

John 5:20 is phileo “The Father loves the Son and shows Him all that He Himself is doing.”

They are both used to describe God’s love for us.

John 3:16 is agape, “God so loved the world...”

John 16:27 is phileo, “for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.”

Agape is sacrificial love. Phileo is the deep affection of friendship.

God is the source of divine love, the moral love that is willing to sacrifice for the good of another.

John 15:13 ESV

13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

The Scene: and setting for restoration and renewal.

Peter had previously declared his love and loyalty to Christ, but had then denied Jesus.

The charcoal fire to remind Peter of the other time he had

In order to love God, we must first receive His love! He must recognize our need and come empty handed to be filled by Him.

1 John 4:7–8 ESV

7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

1 John 4:19 ESV

19 We love because he first loved us.

Receive God’s Love!

Love’s Service

When we are filled with God’s love it will be demonstrated in service toward those God loves!

Peter was told to feed the lambs and the sheep.

He was told to Shepherd the flock of God.

They are God’s sheep and lambs.

Everyone of us, as followers of Christ, has people in our lives that God has called us to serve in love. To help them grow in their walk with the Lord.

The secret to service is love for the Lord.

Serve others in God’s Love!

Love’s Steadfastness

Being filled with God’s love enables steadfastness in the face of adversity.

Peter would give his life because of his love for the Lord, but it was only after having received the love of God himself. Only when we have been confronted with our failure and granted the forgiveness of God can we truly love Him.

It does not matter what God has called other to do, what matters is that you follow HIM.

Continue in God’s Love!

John 15:9 ESV

9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.