“Lord, do I love you?”

I was reading Acts Chapter 21 and wondered how on earth could Paul willingly go to Jerusalem knowing he would encounter sever suffering (as was predicted in verses 10-12)? Then I remembered reading what Paul said in the previous chapter I read the day before:

“My life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.” Acts 20:24

And I prayed, Oh Lord, why doesn’t my heart retain such deep passion and commitment? How did Paul continually care for people to the point that he was willing to risk his life, again and again, to speak to them?

And I sensed God answer, “It is Paul’s love for My Son Jesus that compels him.”

I had to ask, Lord, do I love you like that?

God’s response was just three words, “Feed my sheep.”

In a few weeks, I will begin my studies in Seminary. I do not know what may lie ahead but I believe sharing God’s Word with others will be at the heart of it. Yet the message here is for all of us: Loving Jesus means caring for those He died for. Sharing the Good News of His Salvation, giving someone a word of encouragement, providing for those in need…this is how we show Jesus we love Him. How is God asking you to show your love for Him today?

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” – Jesus [quoted from John 15:12-13 NIV]

Shadia Hrichi

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