For many, the concept of unconditional love is hard to imagine. In a world where many adults place such a high value on grades, athletic feats, and other performance-based measurements, it can be hard for some teens to feel loved without conditions.
For many adults, we allow what we have done to define us, whether it’s good or bad. We let a job title, a talent, or a sin or addiction determine who we are.
God looks at us from a different point of view. God loves us as His creation. We are His children. He loves us unconditionally, even when we might not deserve it. The apostle Paul wrote, “When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.” (Romans 5:6-11)
God was willing to love us, even when we were unlovable. Jesus lived that out during his time on the earth. He met a Samaritan woman who had gone from relationship to relationship and showed her truth. He encountered a woman caught in adultery, showed her mercy, and told her to “go and sin no more.” He hung on a cross as people mocked Him and said, “Father, forgive them.”
God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. (1 John 4:16-17)
Look to the One who is Love and learn what it means to receive and give unconditional love.
shine!
Jason
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