Love Unashamed

Fall of 1977 - I was 27 years old and in the midst of my medical residency training - working 70 to 100 hours per week in the hospital and finding great joy in what I was doing. These work hours, however, eliminated all other activity from my life. That is until I met a woman and fell in love.

Although my work schedule continued in the hospital, friends and acquaintances had no problem recognizing that I was in love. I had little time or money to invest, yet expressing my love became my priority. I could be found at 4 AM on cold winter mornings in front of her apartment shoveling snow from her car before I went to the hospital. I was unashamed in my love for Pamela. Love has a way of exposing our commitments. The apostle Peter painfully discovered this truth.

Scripture tells us of three separate moments when Peter betrays Jesus, being ashamed to identify himself as one of Jesus' disciples. Realizing his betrayal, he repents in an overflow of tears. After the resurrection, Jesus tests Peter's commitment three times.

"Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?"
"Simon son of John, do you truly love me?"
"Simon son of John, do you love me?"
(John 21:15-17 NIV)

After this encounter with Jesus, no one had any problem recognizing that Peter passionately loved and followed Jesus. His deep commitment to the Master, motivated by love, led to a life of ministry and a willing death upside down on a cross. He was unashamed in his love for Jesus

Are we unashamed in our love for Jesus? Do people see in us a person whose actions bear evidence of that love?

Sharing the journey with you,