This post came pretty late but I just wanted to point out something.
When we look at John 21:15-17, it seems as if Jesus and Peter have been repeating the same phrases three times.
Three times the same question was asked. But for the first two times Jesus asked if Peter love(agape) Him and Peter answered, that he love(philia) Him. On the third time, Jesus asked if Peter love(philia) Him and that was when Peter grieved, as Jesus revealed to him that he was, perhaps, reluctant to make a claim of supreme devotion to God because in the past, his life did not support such a claim.
Agape meant total devotion, to hold high regard of, to be contented at or with a thing.
Philia meant brotherly love, friendship and affection.
(I may not grasp the complete meaning for these two words but philia is nothing like agape.)
As we search our hearts for answers, it is my hope that you will bring this knowledge with you, as you consider your area of service next year.
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