Becoming Agape

Remember this well-known exchange from John 21?
 
"Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Tend My lambs."

He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Shepherd My sheep."

He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Tend My sheep."

When Jesus said love, he used the Greek word agape, meaning selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love.  When Peter said love, he used the Greek word phileo, meaning benevolent, kindly love that is found in friendship.

Peter may have started as a phileo lover of Jesus, but he eventually became an agape lover of Jesus.  Tradition tells us that he was crucified upside down as a martyr for Jesus Christ.

Likewise, one may start out as a phileo and eros (physical) lover of one's spouse, but can grow to be an agape lover.  Christ brings about that change as we stay in close communion with Him.  He did it for Peter.  He can do it for us.

TV~
For as often as you eat this bread, and drink this cup, you do show the Lord's death till he comes. 
[I Corinthians 11:26]