This is the first Sunday after I decided to go to church. Currently, I am in Ivory Coast, and so today I attended the Korean Presbyterian Church here. This sermon was given by a guest pastor (정태성 목사) from the Korean Church in Dakar.
John 21:15-17
15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17 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.
In the passage, Jesus calls Peter and asks him: Do you love me? The fact that the question is in the present tense shows what Jesus teaches us about love. Love does not dwell on past mistakes; it does not return to the past to expose our embarrassment or guilt. Love is so kind that it covers all past shortcomings and gives us the courage to embrace a greater love. Jesus knew that if he had asked Peter whether he had always loved him, Peter would not have been able to answer. That is why he asked only about the present and called Peter “Simon,” relieving him of guilt and self-reflection. This is the love Jesus has for us.
Love is not an idea; it is a living reality. True love has the power to save lives. The foundation of faith, therefore, lies in giving life. Giving life is not a matter of ability. Intelligence and critical thinking have their place, but the core force that saves a person, a home, a community, a society, a life—is love.
Who saves a nation? Those who love the nation.
Who raises a child? Those who love the child.
Who protects a church? Those who love the church.
That is why we must ask, as Jesus did, whether there is love at the core. Those without love cannot save a nation, raise a child, or protect a church. Love must be the primary criterion for such responsibilities.
Life-giving work begins when we notice the pain of others more than our own wounds. If we cannot see the suffering of others, it is because we are trapped in our own. Love is also revealed through sacrifice. One must be broken to save. One cannot hold onto selfish desires and love at the same time. To save a nation, to raise a child, to protect a church—one must be willing to sacrifice. God has told us to “love one another as I have loved you.” God loved us so deeply that he sent his son Jesus to sacrifice his life for us.
The first sermon of my renewed journey with God is about love. I’m deeply grateful for this message, as it reminds me that God is love and that love is what I must carry at the very core of my heart. It inspired me to explore and experience God’s love throughout the journey ahead.
Interesting perspective! Do you have a follow-up on dress codes coming soon?