So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my lambs.”
— John 21:15 —
Aleksey Kolomiytsev: Word of Grace Bible Institute | USA
What is the most significant attribute a Christian should possess for ministry? Effective service requires much: giftedness, humility, knowledge of the Lord, willingness to serve, dedication. Each of those qualities helps shape the overall fruitfulness of the Christian in ministry. But there is one attribute that exceeds them all—love for Jesus Christ. To a large extent, our love determines our personality, our character, and our activities. After trying to take matters into his own hands in the Garden of Gethsemane, and denying the Lord at the house of Caiaphas, Peter might rightly expect a difficult conversation with His Master. But instead of reproaches, Jesus Christ focused on one issue with His most zealous apostle—Peter’s love for Him. Pointing at a nearby boat and nets, Jesus asked Peter three times: “Do you love Me more than all these?” After a positive answer, Jesus repeated His main assignment for Peter every time: “Feed My sheep.” To a large extent, our love determines our personality, our character, and our activities. It often determines the focus of thoughts, feelings, desires, and actions. It is a source of strength to overcome difficulties, a generator of inspiration and creativity, and a ray of hope and encouragement. This is why the main condition qualifying a Christian for ministry is his love for Jesus Christ. Jesus is the perfect embodiment of love. If you’re a Christian, you responded to His love in faith when He saved you. Look to Him daily to be the source and example of your love for the church and the world in need around you.
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