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January 1

Resolutions
When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter,
"Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?"
John 21:15
not
Jesus has a wonderful way of restoring us when we fail Him!
He does not humiliate us. He does not criticize us. He does
ask us to make a resolution to try harder. Rather, He takes us
aside and asks us to reaffirm our love for Him.
Peter miserably failed his Lord when he fled with the other
disciples from the Garden of Gethsemane. Later, he publicly
denied that he even knew Jesus. Peter must have wondered if he
had been capable of being Jesus' disciple when he was unfaithful
to Jesus in His most crucial hour.
have failed
you
As you begin a new year, you may be painfully aware that
Lord in many ways. Perhaps you were not
faithful. Perhaps you disobeyed His word to you. Perhaps you
denied Him by the way you lived. Jesus will take you
your
aside, as
He did Peter. He will not berate you. He will not humiliate you.
He will ask you to examine your love for Him. He asked Peter,
"Do you love Me?" If your answer, like Peter's, is "Yes, Lord,"
He will reaffirm His will for you. If you truly love Him, you
will obey Him (John 14:15). Jesus does not need your resolu-
tions, your recommitments, or your promises to try harder this
year. If your resolve to obey God last year did not help you to
be faithful, it will not make you successful this year. Jesus asks
your love. If you truly love Him, your service for Him in the
new year will be of the quality that He desires.
for

User Cmccabe
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1 Answer

5 votes

Answer:

Step-by-step explanation:

This passage reflects on the theme of restoration and renewal in the context of the New Year. The author draws parallels between Simon Peter's experience of failure and Jesus' response to it, emphasizing that Jesus does not humiliate or criticize us when we fail Him. Instead, He gently asks us to reaffirm our love and commitment to Him.

The passage uses the example of Peter, who failed Jesus by denying Him and fleeing from His side. This experience of failure and doubt is relatable to readers who may also have moments of unfaithfulness or disobedience in their relationship with God. The passage encourages the reader to reflect on their own actions and consider whether they have been faithful to the Lord in the past year.

The central message is that the key to a renewed relationship with Jesus is genuine love and obedience. The author suggests that making resolutions or promises to try harder may not be effective if they are not grounded in true love for Jesus. Instead, the focus should be on cultivating a deep and genuine love for Him, which will naturally lead to obedience and faithful service in the new year.

Overall, the passage conveys a message of hope, reassurance, and the opportunity for a fresh start in one's relationship with God as the new year begins.

User Marcus Erickson
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8.4k points

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