In a world that often prioritizes talent, career, and personal achievements, the message of Jesus stands in stark contrast. At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we are reminded that the most important quality of any believer, leader, or pastor is love. This love is not just a feeling but a commitment that comes before all else. It is the foundation upon which our faith and actions are built, and it is the essence of our mission to “Be the change as Jesus has changed us.”

The Story of Peter

Peter’s journey with Jesus is a profound example of love’s transformative power. After denying Jesus three times, Peter is given a second chance. In John 21:15-19, Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?” This repetition is not for Jesus’ benefit but for Peter’s heart. It is a moment of restoration and commissioning, where Peter is called to lead the early church with love as his guiding principle.

The Significance of Threefold Questioning: Jesus’ threefold questioning of Peter mirrors Peter’s three denials. This is not a coincidence but a deliberate act of restoration. Each question peels back a layer of Peter’s heart, addressing his guilt and shame, and replacing it with purpose and love. Jesus is not merely forgiving Peter; He is restoring him to his rightful place as a leader in the early church.

Love Comes First:

Scriptural Foundation: In 1 Corinthians 13:13, Paul writes, “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” This underscores the primacy of love in the Christian life. Love is the greatest commandment, as Jesus Himself stated in Matthew 22:37-39, where He calls us to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Practical Application: At Lakeview Christian Church, we believe that love should guide our actions and decisions. Whether in our personal lives or as a community, love must be the foundation. It is through love that we can truly “Be the change as Jesus has changed us.” Love is not just an emotion; it is an action that requires us to put others before ourselves and to serve selflessly.

Lakeview Christian Church Mission: Our mission, “Be the change as Jesus has changed us,” is rooted in love. Through “Just 3” – Study, Share, Serve – we aim to embody this love in every aspect of our lives.

Study: To love and know God deeply. This involves immersing ourselves in Scripture, prayer, and reflection to understand God’s love for us and how we can reflect that love in our lives. By studying God’s Word, we gain insight into His character and His desires for us.
Share: To know and love others genuinely. Sharing involves building relationships, listening, and being present for others, reflecting the love of Christ in our interactions. It means being intentional about reaching out to those around us and showing them the love of Jesus.
Serve: To put love into action. Serving is about meeting the needs of others, both within our church community and beyond, demonstrating love through tangible acts of kindness and service. It is about being the hands and feet of Jesus in a world that desperately needs His love.

Conclusion: As we reflect on Peter’s story, let us ask ourselves, “Do we love Jesus?” And let our answer be a resounding “Yes.” Let us commit to living lives where love comes first, transforming us and those around us. At Lakeview Christian Church, we are dedicated to fostering a community where love is the driving force behind all we do. Let us be known by our love, as Jesus commanded, and let that love be the catalyst for change in our lives and in the world.