Daily Digest #120

Do you love Me? . . . Feed My sheep. —John 21:17

What hinders us most in doing good for others is thinking or knowing that we might not get anything in return, or the person might even react ungratefully that helping actually turns us off. It is when we think that our friends wouldn't listen to or follow our good advice that we refrain from talking to them any further. It is when we give alms and end up being robbed. It is when we give our time to others, and end up wishing we were somewhere or with someone else. Looking at these familiar instances, we'll realize how much more concerned we are with what we can get rather than what we can give. When Jesus spoke to Peter, He wanted to instill in him the love that God has intended it to be: patient, kind, not jealous, not proud. not rude, not self-seeking, not easily angered, keeps no record of wrongs, does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth, always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Jesus wanted Peter to learn that for one to claim that he/she loves God is not enough without truly loving others. But we tend to have misconceptions about this, counting our good works and expecting a reward each time.... I guess this is why God gave us the power to choose -- to love Him or not. Because loving does not expect anything in return. It is unconditional that one leaves everything to faith, and it never stops. It is only when we truly love God that we are able to risk loving others. And with this, we will be more concerned in pleasing God than pleasing ourselves or others.

For this, let us pray. May we ask God to teach us to love. May we learn more about Him so that wisdom may lay upon us. May we pray constantly, and build a closer relationship with God through His son Jesus Christ. Pray always.