Many learned men have
given lectures on the outcome of nations that give sanction to indifference and self-serving greed. Among them was Jesus Christ.
Among his many discussions is one showing the contrast between the two forms of government competing for the supremacy of
this world. These two governments were perfectly illustrated in a conversation that took place between Jesus and His Apostle
Peter. The theme of this passage defines the true meaning of love. Two different words for love were used in the Apostles’
original Greek text of this passage. Jesus used the word, agape to represent GOD'S manner of love, while
Peter used the word phileo to represent Man's version of love. When we examine the meaning of these two very
contrasting words (in light of the deeds of Christ verses the deeds of Peter) we become enlightened to the precious lesson
that all people deserve to understand. In John 21:15 we read:
"So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me
[with unselfish love] more than these [the other disciples]? He saith unto Him [with his head lowered], Yea, LORD; Thou knowest
that I love thee [with a limited, selfish love]. He saith unto him, Feed My lambs. He saith unto him the second time, Simon,
son of Jonas, lovest thou Me [with a love that will seek the other's well-being regardless of the cost to yourself]? He
saith unto Him, Yea, LORD; Thou knowest that I love Thee [only with a futile love that exerts in vain]. He saith unto him,
Feed My sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me [with merely a limited, selfish love]?
Peter was grieved because He said unto him the third time, Lovest thou Me [with a failing love]? And he said unto Him, LORD,
Thou knowest all things; Thou knowest that I love Thee [with the only love I am capable of]. Jesus saith
unto him, Feed My sheep."
A short time after this conversation came the day of Pentecost. On this great day for the human race the Apostles of Christ
received the promise of GOD’S presence in their lives through the gift of the Holy Spirit; and accompanying His presence
was heaven’s gift of agape love. This free gift is offered to all. Said Christ, “If ye then being
evil know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them
that ask Him.” Therefore, you and I, the weakest of the weak can demonstrate the same Love to our fellow man that drew
GOD Himself to redeem a fallen race. It is this Love that the vast majority of people are at war with, including
most professed Christians, because agape demands the abandonment of sin, and freedom to sin has become more important
to them than GOD’S deliverance from it. Every Christian should take Peter’s words to heart: “And if the
righteous scarcely be saved [referring to those whose names are on the church books], where shall the ungodly and the
sinner appear?” I Peter 4:17,18.