The Only Relationship. John 21:14-19

John 21:14-19 (NKJV) 

14 This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead.

Jesus Restores Peter
15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?”

He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”

He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”

16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?”

He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”

He said to him, “Tend My sheep.”

17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?”

And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.”

Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. 18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” 19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”

Three times Peter denied Jesus, three times Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him. Peter had failed Jesus and he knew it. Now, Jesus would start the restoration process in Peter. 

Restoration can be a long, difficult process. When we've hurt others, when we've been deeply hurt, restoration takes time. Sometimes, restoration never comes. Sometimes we just have to forgive in our heart and move on. 

Forgiveness and restoration are not the same thing. We can forgive those who have hurt us but choose not to allow them access to hurt us again. In the same way, we can be forgiven by others and not be allowed access to hurt them again

We can't change others, we can only change how we view them. We can hold bitterness in our heart and  become bitter. We can stay angry at others and become angry. Or, we can forgive others and be forgiven. 

Thankfully, every single time we turn back to Jesus, He forgives us. He is the only relationship we will ever have that will not fail us. He is the only relationship we will ever have that will never hurt us. Jesus is the only relationship we will ever have that will allow us access back to Him. 

Blessings, Cecilia