Though we fail Him

As I read this passage this morning, this thought came to me.

How much did Peter feel the immensity of his sin? Of his failure? Of his betrayal?

And yet, as he stood there before Jesus, Jesus didn’t bash him. Jesus didn’t require a kind of penance from him.

Rather He asked as simple question.

“Peter do you love me?”

And as imperfect as Peter’s love was, Jesus accepted it. Then He said, “Follow me.”

More, He commissioned Peter to do His work.

Sometimes we feel overwhelmed by guilt. We are struck by the immensity of our sins and failures. And we wonder how in the world Jesus could ever accept us.

But Jesus asks us a simple question.

“Do you love me?”

And imperfect though our love may be, He accepts it.

Then He says, “Follow me.”

More, He entrusts us with the work of touching people who are just as broken as we are.

So let yourself feel the immensity of your sin.

But after that, let yourself feel the even greater immensity of his grace.

For though your sin may abound, God’s grace abounds far, far more. (Romans 5:20)