Day 33 – John 21: 15-19
Jesus asks us to follow Him. He asks us to go somewhere new, maybe somewhere challenging. But before we set off on that journey, He asks us: “Do you love me?” (vv15, 16, 17). He asks us over and over again, until we finally hear the truth in the question.
Mission starts with love – a love that goes in all directions. When I’m working at my local church in Great Ayton, faith is expressed in my relationships with the people there. Members of my church, of all ages, support me as I support them.
An older lady speaks up at our church, thanking them for all the love they had shared with her; I approach her afterwards and say thanks for her words, offering her my affirmation. In turn, she embraces me and gives me heartfelt encouragement and love.
A teenager dashes in and out of the church youth club; she has very little time, she is under pressure to revise for exams that are still months away. I send messages over Facebook, letting her know that we’re all thinking of her and that she’s got someone to talk to. She messages back, telling me she’s glad that there’s a place she’s always welcome, no matter how she feels.
The light of faith shines through all the people I encounter. It’s being in relationship with others that helps me find my own answer to the question: “Do you love me?” And I know that I have those special relationships… like with my mum, who helps me learn how to let my faith shine through to people around me, and is my support in everyday struggles and anxieties.
Dear Father, thank you for church, for family and friends, for all the support we bring each other as we answer Your question… “Do you love me?” Amen.
by Niamh Quarmby
Stokesley Circuit
ONE Opportunity participant