Unconditional love comes without excuses.
Deuteronomy 30:11 – For this commandment that I command you today is not too hard for you, neither is it far off.
You have all heard them—and you’ve probably used a few. Excuses, that is. Things like, “It’s too hard,” or “I’ll get to it tomorrow.” Children learn early how to give themselves excuses. Phrases like, “It really doesn’t matter,” are used to rationalize behavior. “It’s not my job,” is another excuse to deny responsibility. Most excuses tend to be rather illogical and often they don’t even align with your values or beliefs. They are just the path of least resistance at the moment.
Jesus has given you two commandments: Love God and love others. You probably have no excuses to offer for the first part. If you are a Christ-follower, your love for God should be evident. But what about loving others? Jesus didn’t say to love the people you like or who have the same values you do or who voted the same way. Love them, He says. No conditions. Unconditional love means that you aren’t holding out any expectations from the other person and that you are not looking for attention, acceptance, or appreciation from him or her. God wants you to do it because it reflects His perfect love through you even though you were undeserving. “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Loving others above yourself goes against your sinful selfish human nature and takes the Holy Spirit and help of God to do well. Keep your perspective and keep His commandments!
Pray With Us
God of grace and mercy, Your love overwhelms me. I want to follow the commands of Jesus and show You how much I love you, and I do. But loving others is a harder task for me. I look around at the chaos in our world and at the rancor and harshness all about and wonder how You, much less me, could love some of “those people.” Help me see them through Your eyes. Give me a new perspective on who it is that is my neighbor, and to give them that unconditional love You desire. Gently nudge me when I need reminding, for Jesus’ sake and the sake of His Kingdom, Amen.
- Pray that God will reveal in a new way His love and care for you.
- Praise God for His kindness and blessings that He has poured out on you.
- Pray for the Holy Spirit to lead you in loving others who may disagree without or hold different views than you.
- Pray for God to guide you in your opportunities to love your neighbors as God loves you.
- Pray that God would give you His perspective in loving all people.
