Peter. Peter. Peter. He denies Jesus not once but 3 times, even
after being forewarned that he would engage in such an unthinkable
act against Jesus. When Peter realized what he had done, he wept
bitterly ~ and as the Bible teaches us, goes on to do great things
for Jesus in building His church. How did that happen?
Christ called Peter out ~ "Jesus' eyes met his." ~ and Peter
recognized his sin, repented and changed his behavior. Peter could
have stomped his feet, gotten highly defensive and declared he
needed to protect himself from physical, emotional or any other kind
of harm. He could have declared that he was perfectly within his
rights to do so. But he didn't. He acknowledged his actions and
their detrimental effect on his relationship with Jesus, and then did
something about it ~ apologized and changed his behavior.
Christ loved Peter back. He could have turned His back on Peter or
make Peter suffer for his actions. Instead, Christ saw Peter's
repentive heart, accepted his apology and changed behavior,
forgave Peter and their relationship moved onto a higher level built
on a stronger foundation.
Both moved forward despite an agregious act on Peter's part that
could have shattered their relationship. In marriage, how often do
we act like Peter over the smaller things let alone the
bigger things that have the ability to destroy initimacy and love
with our spouse? And how often do we act like Jesus to hold
accountable, forgive and love our spouse?
(Luke 22:54-71)
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