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Webster
defines love as a "strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal
ties." There are numerous variations on the definition depending on the object
of that love, or whether "love" is being used as a noun or a verb.
The problem with the English language is that we can say we love
our spouse or some person dearly, and a few moments later say we love a color
or ice cream. Hopefully we don't mean the same thing!
About 18 hours before Jesus was crucified, Peter declared his loving
devotion to Christ in front of the other disciples when he said, řEven though
all may fall away because of You, I will never fall away." Late that same night,
Peter denied he even knew Jesus. In John
21 Jesus asked Peter if he truly loved
Him.
In the Greek language, John recorded that Jesus asked Peter if he
loved Him using two different words. The first word that we transliterate "agape"
refers to the kind of love God has for you. He loves you unconditionally. He loves
you even if you reject Him.
The second kind of love that Jesus queries Peter about is the word
we get "brotherly love" from. Peter was not able to answer with any more conviction
than that kind of love.
What kind of love do you have for Jesus? Examine your heart today.
God wants to strengthen your love for Him.
All Scripture references are from the New American Standard Version unless otherwise noted.
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~ True
Love 
