GROWING

DEEPLY SUNDAY
a daily scripture guide
Week of Sept 25- Sept 30
MONDAY: John 21:15-17 Failures and Imperfections
SERMON
kNOw Fear: The Fear of Failure - Sept 24th
In the story of the crucifixion, Peter denied knowing Jesus even though he had
vowed to stand beside him. Scripture: John 21:15-17 (NLT)
REFLECTION: Reflect on a time when you did something that you had promised After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, Simon son of John, do you love me
yourself and/or others you would never do. more than these?

TUESDAY: John 21:15-17 Disappointing Self Yes, Lord, Peter replied, you know I love you.
Often when we face our shortcomings, we are more disappointed in ourselves
than others are in us. Then feed my lambs, Jesus told him.
CONSIDER: Consider the possibility that the disappointment you feel in yourself
is greater than the disappointment felt by others. How could that realization Jesus repeated the question: Simon son of John, do you love me?
alter your conversations, your actions?
Yes, Lord, Peter said, you know I love you.
WEDNESDAY: John 21:15-17 Defining Self
Seeing ourselves clearly is often very difficult. Human nature magnifies our
Then take care of my sheep, Jesus said.
failures to a size that often overshadows our reality.
QUESTION: Accepting our human failures is important. But what would happen
A third time he asked him, Simon son of John, do you love me?
if we began to define ourselves as loved and forgiven children of God rather
than allowing our flaws to define us?
Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, Lord, you
THURSDAY: John 21:15-17 The Definition of Love know everything. You know that I love you.
Love is acceptance of imperfection. Love is second chances. Love is
forgiveness. Jesus said, Then feed my sheep.
QUESTION: How does my definition of love fit with the forgiving love of God Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale

and the sacrificial love exemplified by Christ? House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

FRIDAY: John 21:15-17 Living out Love My Notes:

Love is a verb. We demonstrate our love through our actions, not only our
words.
CONSIDER: Consider a time in your life when you received love through action.
Consider a time when you showed love through action.

SATURDAY: John 21:15-17 Living the Example

When Peter was asked the direct question by Jesus, do you love me, his
answer was a verbal one. The response that Jesus gave was a directed one.
The proof of love is a life loved in the example of the life of Jesus: feed my
lambs; take care of my sheep; feed my sheep.
PRAYER: Shepherd God, help us in our struggles in life. Help us forgive
ourselves for our shortcomings. Guide us toward a life that exemplifies your
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love for us as we love others. Printed copies are available at the Connector Desk.