Today I looked up some of the definitions of unconditional ~
without a qualifying condition; absolute; all out; all in; not limited in any
way; complete.
I am contemplating this evening the love we are given in Christ
and the love we are called to GIVE in His name - unconditional... and I must
readily admit I'm so still not as good at this as I want to be.
Knowing that unforgiveness, fear, pride, and even the bitter
taste of complacency can close a heart to loving in this way each day has not
kept me from embracing them at times. Holding onto a past that is just that -
the past, fearful and unsure of those I don't understand, and too focused on
myself and my needs to see sometimes what the needs really are right in front
of me has caused me to be jaded and blind to the needs of others around me at
times - but all the while saying "God use me"... Irony = one of the
many words my picture must be next to in the dictionary.
I am loved so unconditionally by a God who saw what I was
and wanted to know me and help me anyway... Oh God help me remember that
limitless, absolute, all in, poured out, and complete way you love me - a person with not one single qualifying
condition, that you CHOSE to die for - and that all you ask in return is I love
you and others the same way... help me CHOOSE to love that way!
And they asked Him "Lord, which is the greatest
commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: “ 'Love the Lord your God with all
your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind'. This is the first
and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love others as yourself.’
" Matthew 22:36-39
