Peter's love is genuine, though weak, as he acknowledges his dependence on Jesus and expresses sorrow for his past failures in John 21:17.
Peter’s love for Jesus, as shown in John 21, is significant in its reality despite its weakness. Throughout their exchange, Peter consistently uses the term for love that reflects affection but lacks the stronger connotation of agape. His responses exhibit honesty and a recognition of his own failings; he appeals to Jesus' omniscience by saying, 'Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee.' This interaction illustrates that genuine love may often be marred by weakness, especially when one has experienced failure, but it is the authenticity of that love—rooted in humility and recognition of dependency—that resonates with the Lord's expectations.
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