Do You Love Me?

DISCLAIMER: The following is not meant to judge or place extra burdens on those who are genuinely frail, elderly, or unable to fellowship as they once did. Christians must show patience, compassion, and practical help. But love for the truth will find a way to pray, encourage, and keep feeding others with whatever talents and wisdom God has given.

After Peter’s denial, the risen Jesus did not reject him. Instead, he restored him with a probing question: “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”

Three times Peter confessed his love, and three times Jesus commanded him: “Feed my sheep,” that is, pastor and care for the church. Then Jesus spoke of Peter’s future aging, despair, and loss of freedom, yet still ended with the command: “Follow me!”

That is a much-needed word for all Christians today. Age, illness, discouragement, or limited mobility may change how we serve, gather, study, and encourage one another, but they must not make us abandon our obedience to the faith.

Jesus knew Peter would grow old. He knew Peter would face more hardship. He knew Peter would no longer have the same freedom he once had. But Jesus did not give him an exemption from love, faithfulness, or responsibility to his church.

The early church understood this command very well. Acts 2:42 says, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in prayer.” Christian living was never meant to be lived in isolation. We need Scripture, prayer, fellowship, exhortation, correction, edification, and encouragement from one another.

Peter himself later urged believers to keep growing in faith and many other virtues, including perseverance and mutual affection, adding: “Be even more diligent to make your calling and choosing firm” (2 Pet. 1:5-10). Paul likewise warned: “Examine yourselves to see if you are in the faith; test yourselves” (2 Cor. 13:5).

So let us not treat Bible study, prayer, fellowship, and service as optional extras. These are not rituals or religious hobbies. They are part of our obedience of faith under our lord Jesus Messiah.

Peter’s old age did not cancel the command. Discouragement did not cancel the call. The final word of Jesus still stands: “Follow me!”