Love is the greatest commandment given to man. Love of your neighbors, love of your brother, and even love of your enemies. Yet these same people you are asked to love also hold a place where they can hurt you a lot. (I know many of us can confirm this). I’m sure you are now asking where this conversation is coming from or going to.

Any form of love is very emotive. So the other day I came across the verse where Jesus asked Peter 3 times, “Peter son of John do you love me?” And Peter answered in the affirmative to the question. Indeed at the third time, he got upset that Jesus who was all-knowing could really ask him the question yet again.

But wait a minute! Had Peter forgotten he had earlier on denied Jesus 3 times? But I also quickly noted, After every answer, Jesus gave him an assignment -: a) Feed My lambs, b) Shepherd My sheep, c) Feed My sheep.

To me, it looks like the assignment is one and the same but  Jesus needed to confirm that Peter loved Him that much before He confirmed and assigned Him this heavy responsibility. Jesus had “left” the world. He was concerned. Who would “take up” the position of feeding and shepherding His lambs, His sheep. I can almost feel the anxiety of Jesus, so to speak. What are my Rhema learnings?

1) There are some assignments that are so important in your life that you cannot give to people who don’t care about “your lambs” eg matters of inheritance, matters of delegation, matters of partnership, and so on.

2) Before you give certain assignments you must test how deep people care about you.

3) Love comes with responsibilities. If you love someone, your church, your congregation, your country, your prayer partner, etc. You must bear the responsibility that comes with this. This will demand sacrifice, commitment, and loyalty. Simply put, a denial of yourself for the betterment of the other. This reminds me of a statement a friend of mine made yesterday. “There is too much talk on our rights than talk about our responsibilities.” There is a need to shift this mindset if we want to impact the world. I can’t agree more.

4) Love covers a multitude of sins. There are people who will deny you oftentimes, but you will still love them. Sounds tough! But imagine, Jesus was denied by His best friend Peter, yet He is here again, following on this love. Even after they have had breakfast together!
It just confirms to me some assignments are bigger than personal relationships and when you sense that such is the case, it’s humility that carries you and determines your behavior.

Read these 2 verses to get the context of this conversation. “So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these [others do—with total commitment and devotion]?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You [with a deep, personal affection, as for a close friend].” Jesus said to him, “Feed My lambs.” Again He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me [with total commitment and devotion]?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You [with a deep, personal affection, as for a close friend].” Jesus said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me [with a deep, personal affection for Me, as for a close friend]?” Peter was grieved that He asked him the third time, “Do you [really] love Me [with a deep, personal affection, as for a close friend]?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know everything; You know that I love You [with a deep, personal affection, as for a close friend].” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. John 21:15?-?17 AMP

Now the big question is? Do you love enough to deserve getting certain assignments? The assignment of taking care of your family, siblings, your church, your community, or your nation? Can God trust you on matters stewardship of His people and His resources? I pray that we will put ourselves in a place where people can trust us, but more importantly where God can trust you with His assignments. Little by little, we will get better.