[abe-lives]

CV,

Whenever I’ve felt insufficient in my relationship with God or others, this passage has always comforted my heart. If you find it helpful, here it is for you too. What makes it so powerful to me is that Peter is reinstated here after failing miserably, at least from his own perspective. He had recently denied Jesus during his trial and had left in tears, his heart torn apart at his own failure.

Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, "It is the Lord," he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. ... Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." None of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. … When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep." The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.” (John 21)

CV, your guidance and wisdom had fed me more than a few times here, and I thank God for your presence in my life. My heart hurts for you, but you haven’t hurt me. Keep pressing on.

Abe