Philo se -Church of God world mission society

Philo se

The Greek word ‘φιλ σε' means ‘I love you.' That was the Apostle Peter's answer when Jesus asked him three times, "Do you love Me?"
Do you love Me?

Today, numerous crimes are occurring in every corner of the world. The crimes become more cruel and dreadful than in the past. People have lost humanity and forsaken even their basic morals. The reason is that their love both for themselves and for others grow cold.

Even many Christians do not follow God. They are not changed by the word of God; rather, they've turned away from the love of God.

Christ came into the earth to plant on our hearts the love which we had neither in heaven nor in earth. He showed us His everlasting love through His sacrifice. He sacrificed Himself to save us who were expelled from heaven after rebelling against God due to our pride and disobedience. Then, are we ready to give a definite answer to God, "I love You," like Peter? Let's check ourselves.

Jn 21:15-17『When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord, … Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep."』

Three times Jesus asked Peter the same question, "Do you love Me?" Then Peter gave Him a constant answer, "Yes, Lord, You know that I love You." After confirming Peter's steadfast love, Jesus entrusted His sheep to him, saying, "Feed My sheep."

Without love for God, no one can be a shepherd or a deacon or even a member of the Church. Though we all have been entrusted with the gospel, we cannot fulfill it with jealousy, envy and rivalry, but only with burning love toward God.

The Bible shows how much Peter loved Jesus. When a large crowd sent from the chief priests came to seize Jesus, Peter drew his sword out and cut off the ear of the servant of the high priest. He loved Jesus so much (Mt 26:47-53; Jn 18:1-11). When Jesus told His disciples that He had to suffer many things and be killed, Peter pleaded with Jesus, saying, "Never, Lord!" because he loved Jesus (Mt 16:21-23). Even when Jesus severely rebuked him, saying, "Get behind me, Satan!" Peter did not lose his love for Christ. Rather, he built his faith on the rock and became a good shepherd pleasing God.

Unless we absolutely love God like Peter, we can not follow the Lamb, whom we are to follow wherever He goes, and we will not be saved after all. The 144,000 are the people who absolutely love and believe God.