Tuesday, February 18, 2014

February 19, 2014

"The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you. ”Jesus said, “Feed my sheep."  John 21:17

This is a DTR moment.

You have had them and I have had them and they are often awkward.

DTR stands for "define the relationship".

If you have been in a dating relationship for several months or more you have experienced a DTR moment where you sense that you are more than friends but you are not sure if she (he) is feeling the same way. So, you initiate the conversation to bring some definition to your relationship. The outcome of that conversation will determine if the friendship deepens, if it remains the same or if it ends. Each of those conclusions brings a definition to the relationship.

It is impossible for any relationship to grow and deepen without these DTR moments.

Jesus knew that Peter was confused and struggling in his faith since the devastating day that he denied Jesus three times. Not only had he lost confidence in himself but he was unsure of where he stood in his relationship with Jesus. 

So, Jesus came to the shores of the Sea of Galilee to find Peter and define their relationship. He did this because He had huge hopes for Peter and He needed to restore him. Peter needed to know how much Jesus loved him and he needed to admit his insufficient love for Jesus.

When that brief conversation was over Peter knew exactly where he stood in his relationship with Jesus and he knew exactly what he must do for the relationship to grow and deepen.

Since being a Christian is a relationship, DTR's are essential.

It takes a DTR to become a Christian. You have to confess that you have no relationship with Jesus because you are a sinner and you must ask Him to forgive your sins. When your sins are forgiven you can enter into a relationship with Jesus.

Then it requires daily DTR's to continue to develop your relationship with Christ. Your DTR moments will occur as you spend time in His Word and in prayer. It is nearly impossible to connect with God through the Word and through prayer and come away confused about your relationship with Him.

Have you had a DTR with God this morning?