Unconditionally

“Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.” 1 John‬ ‭4:11-12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

There is no way around it, God loves us. Unconditionally. We also should love one another in the same manner.

One of my favorite passages in the Bible is 1 John 4:7-16 It speaks about His love toward us, in us, and how we ought to love others. When I stop and truly think about His love towards me personally, I am humbled. There have been countless times, when I have thought, who am I, that He would see me – of all the people in the world? And I cannot help but to thank Him for seeing me, choosing me. I thank Him not just in word, but I do my best to also thank Him in deed – with an obedient heart. Also, loving others, with the same love given to me.

I was chatting with my kids the other morning, as we do daily. A short and simple morning devotion, weighing on me. I asked, It isn’t always easy to love someone who’s hurt you, is it? They agreed. But, Christ loved us while we were His enemies. While we weren’t yet saved, He died for us – for our sins… They nodded. I felt like I was more speaking to myself or thinking aloud, than speaking with them… He gave us the best example of, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’ As He died in our place. And, He continues to stand in the gap and advocate for us, the Bible says, when we sin, or mess up… I couldn’t even look at them at this point, feeling my own conviction. He gave us the example of how to love everyone, especially those whom it seems difficult. Those whom cause us pain. We have to love, have to forgive.

“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God;” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭4:7a KJV‬‬

I continued on and spoke about living a life before our friends, family, and neighbors that shows who we are in Christ and not being ashamed.

I am very proud of my daughter, this year she has been tested: Do you believe in God? If you say you’re a Christian then – Many questions have come her way and she has not backed down. She has had the Word of God hidden in her heart to back up her responses. I am grateful to God that He is not only with her but strengthening her, and giving her boldness to speak out.

As we live in a world that needs to know about God, it’s up to us to share the truth. To love our neighbors as ourselves, we should desire to reach everyone with whom we come into contact. Share with them the truth we have learned. Tell of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, and how He is coming back again.

Now that’s love unconditional…

*Image made on YouVersion (from another favorite 1 Corinthians 13)