Free To Become Free
WHEN WE LOOK AT JESUS — PART 5
When Love Heals What Holds Us
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32
When Fear Answers For Us
Peter had denied knowing Jesus three times.
Fear had crowded into a relationship he treasured, and his words no longer reflected the love in his heart.
We want to speak honestly or love freely, yet the possibility of rejection can make hiding feel safer.
Knowing what is good doesn't always mean we feel free to choose it.
Breakfast After Failure
After His resurrection, Jesus shared breakfast with Peter and the other disciples. Then He asked Peter about his love and entrusted him with caring for His sheep.
Jesus’ questions hurt, but He wasn't sending Peter away.
He was inviting the man who had denied Him to follow Him again.
What Abba Wants For Us
What does this moment in Jesus’ life reveal about the Father?
He cares about our choices and about what has made choosing love so difficult. He meets us there, helping us recognize what fear has obscured.
Freedom is more than having choices.
Jesus speaks of freedom from sin’s slavery, a life no longer governed by what has held us captive.
Free To Love
I don't want to confuse protecting myself from hurt with being free.
I want to know Abba's love deeply enough to welcome another person without needing them to guarantee I'll never be disappointed.
Jesus isn't replacing our willingness with His. He is healing what keeps us from responding freely to Love.
Peter wasn't merely forgiven and sent away.
He was welcomed back into life together, with people to love.
Reflection
Where has fear been answering before love can respond?
What does Jesus’ treatment of Peter reveal about Abba?
Who might experience His love through my growing freedom?
Prayer
Abba Father, heal what keeps me hiding. Let the love we share become freedom to love others. Amen.