Now, what about Christians who don't want spiritual influence in their lives? What can we do for fallen, hurting believers? Those who aren't here today, or anywhere like here? Those who don't want what we're deciding today to give?

So many believers are hurting in their faith and their lives today. I know Christians who have experienced the trauma of divorce and feel the Church no longer cares about them; those who suffer from long-term illness and feel forgotten; those who have committed moral failures and feel left out.

It's been said that the Church is the only army which buries its wounded. What can we do to be sure that is not said of us? How can we help influence struggling believers? Jesus' model with his fallen disciple Peter is God's guidance for us today.

First, take the initiative. Jesus calls to Peter and the others from the shore after they've returned to fishing (John 21:4). He invites them to breakfast with him (12). And then he goes directly to Simon Peter (v. 15).

If he had waited for Peter to come to him, he'd be waiting still. Do you know someone who's not here but should be? Someone who's far from God? Someone in your home or your heart? Take the initiative—make the call, send the letter, begin again your friendship. Do it now.

Next, invite them back to Jesus (15b)

Jesus begins this way: "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" By "these" Jesus means the other disciples, reminding Peter that he had earlier bragged that he did, that "though all should forsake you, I will not" (Mark 14:29). Now Jesus asks Peter to be honest about himself and his failed faith, and invites him home to himself.

Start where hurting people are, and encourage them to Christ. Jesus does not ask Peter if he is sorry for what he has done, or if he will promise never to do it again. He asks for his heart, because he knows that when the heart is given everything else will follow.

Third, reclaim them for ministry. Jesus responds to Peter's honest love with his commission: "feed my sheep." We love Jesus by loving others, by showing them his care in ours. Jesus doesn't keep Peter on the sideline. He wants each of his followers to be in the game, to be engaged in personal ministry to hurting people. Wounded healers make the best healers.

Fourth, challenge them to higher commitment.

Peter had earlier failed Jesus before a serving girl; now he would be called to stand for him at the risk of his very life. Indeed, "when you are old someone will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go" (v. 18). Jesus said this "to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God" (v. 19). Then he said to him, "Follow me!"

And Peter did. He died for Jesus, on a cross like Jesus, but upside down because he felt himself not worthy to die in the same manner as did his Lord. Jesus challenged his fallen friend to a higher commitment, and Peter responded with heroic faith.

So may your friend and mine.