1 John 3:18
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in
tongue; but in deed, and in truth.
Today let us consider an important theme our faith journey,
'Feeding God's Sheep.' This message hails from John 21:15-17, where Jesus,
after his resurrection, asked Peter, "Do you love me?" When
Peter affirmed his love for Jesus, Jesus did not merely accept his words but
instructed him, "Feed my sheep."
These words hold profound implications for us today, for it
is through them that Christ calls us to care for one another actively. He
encourages each one of us to nourish, sustain, and uplift each other, just as
He does for us.
Feeding God’s sheep is not merely about physical sustenance.
It is about spiritual and emotional nourishment. It is about tending to the
soul as much as the body. By feeding God's sheep, we echo Christ's love,
compassion, and understanding. We emulate His selflessness, His kindness, and
His caring nature, for these qualities form the true spiritual food that
enlivens our hearts and souls.
What does it mean to feed God's sheep? It means being there
for each other. It means offering a listening ear when someone is troubled, a
comforting word when they are down, and a hand to hold when they are lost. It
means offering prayers on behalf of those who are too worn out to pray for
themselves. It means caring for the orphan, the widow, and the stranger, just
as God commanded in Deuteronomy 10:18-19. It is about challenging and helping
each other to grow in faith, just as Hebrews 10:24 urges us to “spur one
another on toward love and good deeds.”
To feed God's sheep, therefore, we must first open our
hearts to receive the love of Christ. We must let His love transform us,
flowing through us and touching every aspect of our lives. As Matthew 5:16
says, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that
they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." This
is how we reveal God’s abundance and love to the world by reflecting His grace
to those around us.
So, I encourage you today to take up this divine assignment,
to be a shepherd in your own right. It is not always easy; it may even seem
daunting. But remember that when God calls, He also equips. In those moments
when the task seems too overwhelming, remember the words of Philippians 4:13:
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Lean
on Him, draw strength from Him, and step out in faith.
In every interaction, in every conversation, let us strive
to edify, to build up, to encourage, and to inspire. Let us feed His sheep with
the food of love, nourish them with the drink of compassion, and clothe them
with the garment of kindness. As we do this, we not only fulfil Christ's
command, but we also become bearers of His light in a world that so desperately
needs it.
As we journey together in this sacred duty of feeding God's
sheep, may we remain anchored in His love. May His wisdom guide us, His
strength fortify us, and His grace continue to abound in us. For as we feed His
sheep, we are indeed doing His work, fulfilling His command and manifesting His
love. God bless you all.