“They will be mine, says the LORD Almighty, in the day when I make up my treasured possession” (Malachi 3:17). This powerful verse from the Bible is a profound reminder of God’s appreciation for human character. This revelation underscores the supreme value He places on His ‘jewels’. But what makes some stand out in God’s eyes? Why do some resonate with His grace more profoundly than others?

Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” (John 21:15). Jesus asked Peter this poignant question, knowing well the depths of Peter’s heart. But why stir this unsettling query when our Lord’s omniscience encompasses all Peter is and ever will be?

This exploration of the divine query is more than mere theological gymnastics. It uncovers the foundation for serving God – an unwavering love for Him. It’s about understanding that true service to God springs from a profound love for Him. As 2 Corinthians 5:14 reminds us, it is the love of Christ that compels us. And this love, enduring and genuine, has the resilience to endure the trials accompanying the service for Christ (2 Timothy 2:9; Matthew 24:13).

In predicting the fiery trials awaiting Peter (John 21:18, 19), Jesus highlighted the criticality of a resilient faith. Peter, later warning about these trials in his epistle (1 Peter 4:12,13), illuminates the nature of our commitment to Christ.

Unmasking True Love

Genuine love for Christ transcends simple lip service. It is more than a superficial expression of devotion. Among the disciples, there was an undercurrent of pretence (Galatians 2:13), so much so that even Peter and Barnabas were swayed by this hypocrisy. In his letter to the Romans, Paul advises believers to love without deceit (Romans 12:9).

Faithful service to Christ demands a higher degree of commitment—it calls for utmost self-denial (Matthew 16:24; Luke 14:27). It means bearing our cross (Matthew 10:38; Luke 14:27). And for Peter, it even meant laying down his life for Christ (John 21:17-19).

Laying the Foundation of Love

This profound love must be rooted in heavenly convictions—“We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19)—and it must be unshakably confident in the cause of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:38,39). This divine love is the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5; Galatians 5:22,23).

Such love forms the foundation upon which we are entrusted with the care of God’s sheep and lambs (John 10:11-15). When Peter professed his love for Christ, Jesus entrusted him with the care of His flock (John 21:16-18), making it clear that His sheep and lambs would never be left to a hireling (John 10:13).

From personal experience in years of evangelism, I have learned that only the enduring love of God within our hearts can provide the strength to persevere and give everything to the cause of truth.

What about you? Do you also feel the stirring call of the divine question, “Do you love me?” If yes, isn’t it time to express your love through your service to God and His flock? Act now, for the divine Shepherd waits to entrust His beloved flock to those who love Him wholeheartedly. Remember, in the divine eyes, we are all potential ‘jewels’, gleaming with the light of His love. Let’s embrace this divine opportunity, with the love that Christ has for us, to be His treasured possession.