Show, Don’t Just Speak: Loving Jesus Through Action

There’s a moment in Scripture that both breaks my heart and stirs something deep within me. It’s that post-resurrection scene in John 21—Jesus sitting by the fire, sharing breakfast with His disciples, and having a personal conversation with Peter. A man who just days earlier denied even knowing Him.

Jesus looks at Peter and asks, “Do you love me?”

Not once.Not twice.But three times.

The same number of times Peter had denied Him.

Each time, Peter responds, “Yes, Lord, you know I love you.” And each time, Jesus responds with a call:

• “Feed my lambs.”

• “Take care of my sheep.”

• “Feed my sheep.”

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This exchange wasn’t just about forgiveness—it was about function. It wasn’t just a moment of reconciliation—it was a moment of commissioning.

Jesus was saying, “If you love me, you’ll care for my people.”And that same message is alive and relevant for us today.

We live in a world that’s loud with declarations of love, loyalty, and faith. But Jesus is looking for something more than just lip service—He’s looking for action. Love, in the kingdom of God, is a verb. It’s something we do, not just something we say.

I believe that’s the challenge He laid before Peter—and the challenge He lays before us.

Words Aren’t Enough

It’s easy to say we love Jesus. It’s easy to sing it, post it, even preach it. But love for Christ isn’t authenticated by how many scriptures we quote or how eloquently we speak—it’s revealed in how we treat others.

Jesus didn’t ask Peter, “Will you defend me next time?” or “Will you promise to never mess up again?” He asked, “Do you love me?” And the way to prove that love wasn’t through promises—it was through people.

“Feed my sheep.”That means: serve them, care for them, nurture them, guide them, sacrifice for them.

That’s what love for Jesus looks like in motion.

Your Love Assignment

The truth is, each of us has been given “sheep” to care for. You might not be a pastor or a teacher, but you are positioned. Your children, your coworkers, your neighbors, your spouse, your social media following—these are the people God has placed in your pasture.

Some of them are lost. Some are broken. Some are wandering. Some don’t even know they’re sheep.

And your assignment? To love them like Jesus would.

That means showing grace when you’d rather be short.Listening when it’s inconvenient.Encouraging when your own heart is heavy.Praying for them when no one sees.Feeding them with the truth of God’s Word when they’re hungry for hope.

Love Is Costly, But Worth It

Peter didn’t know it at that moment, but Jesus was preparing him to be a shepherd—one who would lay down his life for the Gospel. That’s the kind of love Jesus is calling us to. Not just emotional love, but sacrificial love. Love that costs something.

Because the truth is, you can't say you love Jesus and ignore His people. You can’t separate the two. As 1 John 4:20 reminds us: “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ yet hates his brother or sister, he is a liar.”

Ouch. But true.

Loving Jesus will always lead you into loving others. It's not optional—it's evidence.

A Fresh Start for You

Maybe like Peter, you’ve had moments where you feel like you failed God. Maybe you’ve denied Him with your silence, your fear, or your compromise.

The good news is—Jesus isn’t done with you. Just like He did with Peter, He offers you grace and a fresh assignment.

“Do you love me?”If your answer is yes, then you already know the next step:

Feed His sheep.

Let your life be the sermon. Let your kindness be the message. Let your service be the altar.

Today, someone near you is hungry—not just for food, but for hope, for truth, for love.Will you feed them?

Let’s not just speak love. Let’s show it.