LOVE OR INFATUATION

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 Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” (Matthew 17:4)

One commentary says, ‘Infatuation is an intense, often irrational, short-lived, or fantasy-based attraction, whereas love is a conscious choice built on trust, vulnerability, and mutual respect over time. The transition requires moving from idealized attraction to accepting imperfections and building a deep emotional connection.’ [ Verywell Mind +3] 

Simon Peter, who had earlier professed his unwavering affection to Jesus and His ministry on the Mount of Transfiguration, later reneged on his avowed commitment to his Lord. The Bible says, ‘Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. (John 21:2-3)

Then came the Lord’s show of love and restoration. First, He appeared to them walking on the sea, gave them a miraculous haul of fish, prepared a sumptuous breakfast and invited them to eat. (John 21:4-13) ‘...So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs”...He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, 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, “Feed My sheep.” (John 21:15-17).

The earlier commentary we quoted continues: ‘For infatuation to mature into love,
-Slow Down. Allow time for the initial intense "spark" (of emotion) to mature into deeper, more stable feelings.                              
-Accept Reality. Move past the fantasy phase to see, understand, and accept the person's true, imperfect self.                                              
-Build Trust & Communication. Share vulnerabilities, communicate openly, and build a foundation based on honesty rather than just passion. 
-Share Experiences. Go through both positive and challenging situations together to foster deeper understanding and commitment. [Verywell Mind +3]

Here’s what the Bible teaches. ‘And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty)’ (Acts 1:15). The same Simon Peter, who had become disillusioned in following Jesus and was leading others away from Him, later declared his steadfast love for Jesus and became leader among His followers; thanks to the Master’s unrelenting show of deep affection. Peter’s fleeting infatuation (see Matthew 17:4) turned to eternal love. He began obeying the Master’s command - Feed my sheep. We read that Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”  And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.’ (Acts 3:6-7)

John too was on the Mount of Transfiguration with Jesus. He too must have felt the same awesome divine Presence like Peter. Nonetheless, his own experience grew into a lasting, loving attraction to Jesus. To him, it was revelation that Jesus is Lord and Saviour to be revered and cherished. So his was an unchanging, steadfast love for the Master till the end.

When we first accept Jesus into our lives, there is a strong feeling of awe, commitment and attraction for Him and the work of the kingdom. But with time, the attraction, like ephemeral love (infatuation), begins to wax cold, no thanks to the adversities of life. Jesus tells us concerning this, “I know your works, your labour, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have laboured for My name’s sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works..” (Rev. 2:2-5)_

©OO-I.  



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