Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. John 21:16 (NLT)
Do you rescue people for the wrong reasons? This type of helping is unhealthy because it’s done to make you feel worthy of love, or because you can’t stand the guilt you’d feel if you didn’t help.
Several years ago, this came up in my life. I was asking God what I should do to help someone, and had an impression that the answer was nothing. I remember thinking, “I can’t sit here and do nothing! But I sensed God saying, “You do more for people than I do.” I was trying to fix someone’s problem for them… but God doesn’t even do this. He empowers and guides us, but expects us to seek out our own answers and see them through.
Of course, there are times when we need to step in temporarily, such as when someone is suicidal or is being abused. But in most situations, people need support, not a rescue operation. They need someone to come alongside them, not jump into their sinking boat to save the day.
Healthy helping is rooted and grounded in God’s love. It comes from knowing you are loved. In our verses today, Jesus showed us how this helping works. Peter loved Jesus, and was secure in the fact that Jesus loved him. So when Jesus asked Peter to help others, it wasn’t so Peter could earn Jesus’ love. Quite the opposite! Peter’s service would be powered by a love that was already there.
When you set out to help someone, ask yourself: “Am I doing this to get love or because I’m already loved by God so I have love to share?”
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