July 3 - Choice Gleanings

...Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. John:21:17He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
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Three times Peter denied the Lord (Matt:26:75And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.
See All...) and three times the Lord asked Peter if he loved Him. However, Peter’s grief was not caused by the Lord asking him three times. It was the word He used. Twice He had asked Peter if he loved (agape) Him. Peter responded, "I have an affection (phileo) for Thee." Jesus then lowered the standard from agape to phileo, using Peter's word. Love reduced to affection. The Lord knows the quality of our feeling for Him. May our affection blossom into a deep love for our Saviour. —Dan Coulson

That day by day my heart may give to Thee;
A deeper love; and growing constantly. —James Mountain