Unconditional

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