Moments of Grace: Peter
Come and eat breakfast.
John 21:12
Hans Christian Anderson, the author of children’s stories like “The Ugly Duckling” and “The Little Mermaid,” was a paranoid man who harbored deep-seated anger toward his critics. Once, after his plays were banned in his home town of Copenhagen, he growled, “I wish my eyes may never again see the home which can only see my shortcomings but fails to realize what great gifts God has given me!—I hate those who hate me.”
Contrast that with the risen Jesus who looked up from the beach, saw the very disciple who had betrayed Him, and called out, “Come and eat breakfast.” On the shoreline was a little fire with hot fish and fresh bread. Jesus didn’t harbor hard feelings toward Peter even after his denial. Instead, He spent time with him and commissioned him to feed His sheep.
Would it be hard for you to cook breakfast for one who betrayed you? The art of Christ-like living is to return blessings for cursing. This isn’t easy, but it’s possible when Christ lives out His love through us.
Remember what the Bible says: “Repay no one evil for evil . . . . If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Romans
Forgiveness saves the expense of anger, the cost of hatred, and the waste of spirit.
Hannah More
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