What Does Unconditional Love Mean to you??
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M
When I think of unconditional love, I think- prodigal son. When a person does selfish, stupid junk and hurts us, and we love them anyway. We welcome them back with open arms. And I think- the adulteress, whom Jesus didn't condemn. When a person is caught red-handed in their sin and wrong-doing, and we pass no judgment, we love them anyway.
I honestly don't know of any examples where I've unconditionally loved someone. I've tried- and fallen short of it. My flesh is at war with my spirit; I may love someone with everything in me and for everything they are, but my fallible human heart jumps in the middle of things and gets all crazy. It demands unconditional love from others but withholds it from the same people.
All I can say is I strive to show that kind of love, and ask forgiveness when I fail. I think this is what most of us do, though the more of our hearts and souls and minds we place in the care of Christ, the better we are able to simply love.
I honestly don't know of any examples where I've unconditionally loved someone. I've tried- and fallen short of it. My flesh is at war with my spirit; I may love someone with everything in me and for everything they are, but my fallible human heart jumps in the middle of things and gets all crazy. It demands unconditional love from others but withholds it from the same people.
All I can say is I strive to show that kind of love, and ask forgiveness when I fail. I think this is what most of us do, though the more of our hearts and souls and minds we place in the care of Christ, the better we are able to simply love.
I think that unconditionally loving starts with realizing how unconditionally loved you are by God. When you allow yourself to be filled up by His redeeming love, you can pour it out to others in your life.
I also think that an unconditionally loving heart requires having a grace-filled and forgiving heart, and that also takes understanding how much you have been forgiven of by God.
To me, unconditional love means really fulfilling the vows you say on your wedding day. Regardless of the circumstance we are thrown into, I am still going to love you.
I also think that, because we are finite, unconditional love does have its limits with us. In cases where there is abuse or adultery and the marriage falls apart, the covenant of marriage is broken and that love can no longer exist in the form it once did, and it's tragic and devastating. That's why, for those here who have experienced this, my heart hurts for you while at the same time I feel so frustrated that time and time again men fail to step up and be good husbands and fathers. It causes me that much more to want to be the best husband and father that I can.
That's what blows me away about God's role in the covenants He has made with His people. Because His love is infinite and eternal, He can truly love unconditionally in a way that we will never be able to. In the case of Abraham, the imagery and message is especially amazing. This is a Facebook status I posted last year:
In Old Testament times, when a master wanted to make a covenant with a lesser person on the social ladder, he would have the servant cut an animal into pieces and separate them into two. Then the servant (never the master) would pass between the pieces in order to essentially say, 'If I don't keep this covenant, may I be cut into pieces.' This is Tim Keller speaking about one of these covenants that God made with Abraham in Genesis 15: "And [God] passed through the pieces as He promised to bless Abraham. Now Abraham was startled, and almost every commentator who's ever tried to come to grips with Genesis 15 is startled, because what that means is God is not just saying 'I will bless you,' but He is promising to die if He doesn't bless Him. He's promising to be torn to pieces if He doesn't bless Abraham. Well that's amazing--sure, it's amazing--but that's not all. Abraham had two shocks: The first shock was that God went through the pieces, but the second shock was that Abraham was never called to go through the pieces himself. The ceremony ended, and we're told in 15:18, 'And therefore God made a covenant with Abraham.' But this was unheard of. Unheard of. It was amazing for the Lord to come and walk through the pieces, but for the servant not even to make the oath? Do you know what that meant? Abraham knew what it meant though he didn't see how it could be. It meant God was making the promise for both of them, and He was taking the curse of the covenant on for both of them. And what He was doing was He was saying, 'Not only will I be torn to pieces if I don't keep my promise, I'll be torn to pieces if you don't.'"
I also think that an unconditionally loving heart requires having a grace-filled and forgiving heart, and that also takes understanding how much you have been forgiven of by God.
To me, unconditional love means really fulfilling the vows you say on your wedding day. Regardless of the circumstance we are thrown into, I am still going to love you.
I also think that, because we are finite, unconditional love does have its limits with us. In cases where there is abuse or adultery and the marriage falls apart, the covenant of marriage is broken and that love can no longer exist in the form it once did, and it's tragic and devastating. That's why, for those here who have experienced this, my heart hurts for you while at the same time I feel so frustrated that time and time again men fail to step up and be good husbands and fathers. It causes me that much more to want to be the best husband and father that I can.
That's what blows me away about God's role in the covenants He has made with His people. Because His love is infinite and eternal, He can truly love unconditionally in a way that we will never be able to. In the case of Abraham, the imagery and message is especially amazing. This is a Facebook status I posted last year:
In Old Testament times, when a master wanted to make a covenant with a lesser person on the social ladder, he would have the servant cut an animal into pieces and separate them into two. Then the servant (never the master) would pass between the pieces in order to essentially say, 'If I don't keep this covenant, may I be cut into pieces.' This is Tim Keller speaking about one of these covenants that God made with Abraham in Genesis 15: "And [God] passed through the pieces as He promised to bless Abraham. Now Abraham was startled, and almost every commentator who's ever tried to come to grips with Genesis 15 is startled, because what that means is God is not just saying 'I will bless you,' but He is promising to die if He doesn't bless Him. He's promising to be torn to pieces if He doesn't bless Abraham. Well that's amazing--sure, it's amazing--but that's not all. Abraham had two shocks: The first shock was that God went through the pieces, but the second shock was that Abraham was never called to go through the pieces himself. The ceremony ended, and we're told in 15:18, 'And therefore God made a covenant with Abraham.' But this was unheard of. Unheard of. It was amazing for the Lord to come and walk through the pieces, but for the servant not even to make the oath? Do you know what that meant? Abraham knew what it meant though he didn't see how it could be. It meant God was making the promise for both of them, and He was taking the curse of the covenant on for both of them. And what He was doing was He was saying, 'Not only will I be torn to pieces if I don't keep my promise, I'll be torn to pieces if you don't.'"
P
I this Miss Criss put it excellently when giving the example of the prodigal son. I think the only one that truly shows unconditional love is God. If/when we turn our backs on Him, He is always there to welcome us home. The door is never shut. I don't have examples in my life that haven't caused me to be a doormat.
T
Unconditional love is what it says: Love without condition, or exception. Not putting a requirement, prerequisite on the love we have for another. I think it should be easy to forgive someone who isn't sorry. Because while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. We have to remember that our forgiveness of someone doesn't justify them or us. An unrepentant sinner remains under condemnation, and we are not God, who would be perfectly justified in holding OUR SINS against us. The fact that He didn't is a true mark of His Grace. We're not God, we're not holy and righteous in that we can "lord" one's sin over them until they are truly sorry. The issue is that in an injustice committed against us, oftentimes we disregard the Grace we have been shown and implicitly think ourselves to be God. Our inability to forgive means that our sinful flesh is in control and it is 'all about us.'
A
It is hard to forgive others who aren't sorry but you can do anything with God's grace and help. Example, I had to forgive my dad for the abuse I suffered at his hand. It took me months to truly forgive him. God taught me how to love and forgive him but yet not be a door mat for him to walk all over. Unconditional love doesn't mean being a door mat for those that are unrepentant but for those that are repentant, we are to forgive them wholeheartedly. You can tell with God's wisdom if they have changed. Some use sorry to get by their sins/wrongs without changing.
well, yes, in a way. absolutely, in motivation.
one thing God really dealt with me at an earlier time in my life was being forced to acknowledge that some of what i did "in love" was really with expectation of having such efforts returned, or at the very least, acknowledged.
unconditional love means there's no expectation for reciprocity, but in sincerity and because it's right to do.
or as i like to say, "love-focused" instead of "outcome-focused".
and that took me awhile to wrap my brain (and heart) around. : )
one thing God really dealt with me at an earlier time in my life was being forced to acknowledge that some of what i did "in love" was really with expectation of having such efforts returned, or at the very least, acknowledged.
unconditional love means there's no expectation for reciprocity, but in sincerity and because it's right to do.
or as i like to say, "love-focused" instead of "outcome-focused".
and that took me awhile to wrap my brain (and heart) around. : )
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B
Well, "unconditional love" only exists in the heart of God and in the finished work of our Lord Jesus Christ. I believe love is conditional on this side of heaven.
For example, a holy marriage needs loyalty between spouses, needs obedience of the children towards their parents, needs accountability in managing the home, needs responsibility with household chores, etc. The combination of all these "conditions" are very relevant for "love" to exist in a healthy way.
The whole reason why divorce happens is because one or more of these essential conditions foil in the marriage. One spouse becomes greedy, or lazy or adulterous whatever, and "love" becomes a disposable vector. I've never believed in "unconditional love" ever since I watched Cinderella at the movies back in the early 70's.
...having said that, I love my Moosey for all the right reasons!
For example, a holy marriage needs loyalty between spouses, needs obedience of the children towards their parents, needs accountability in managing the home, needs responsibility with household chores, etc. The combination of all these "conditions" are very relevant for "love" to exist in a healthy way.
The whole reason why divorce happens is because one or more of these essential conditions foil in the marriage. One spouse becomes greedy, or lazy or adulterous whatever, and "love" becomes a disposable vector. I've never believed in "unconditional love" ever since I watched Cinderella at the movies back in the early 70's.
...having said that, I love my Moosey for all the right reasons!
H
unconditional love manifests itself in several ways...for me personally, I would never stop loving my parents or my siblings even if they betrayed me or did terrible things. It doesn't matter if we're fighting or irritated at each other, there's an underlying love that doesn't disappear. I know a lot of parents who also say that they knew what true, unconditional love was when they first held their child. I have a few true friends who I feel have genuinely become part of my family, who I would absolutely lay down my life for without hesitation. Romantically - I've experienced love, but not unconditionally, I think that's just par for the course. I'm sure many of you biblical scholars can school me on the different types of love.
TJ made excellent points, unconditional love IS love without requirement..
As Jesus said, what reward is there in loving those who love you? Even tax collectors are capable of that (EVEN those dang tax collectors, that part makes me laugh) -- we're called to demonstrate that SAME love to everyone regardless of how they may feel or act towards you. It can be a tough pill to swallow.
Actually, what it reminds me of, is when I was a little girl, and my sisters and I would really get into it, my mother would force us to apologize -- and the worst part - to HUG and KISS each other.
Oh the HORROR!
I would have preferred any other punishment. Spanking, extra chores, whatever. Anything but having to swallow my pride and hug the same sister I was just fighting with. (ended a sentence with a preposition, deal with it)
I know I'm lacking in indiscriminately loving those who don't necessarily love or like me, and I'm totally guilty of being apathetic rather than proactively/actively demonstrating love in certain situations. I find it difficult to unburden myself to others, or let people love me as well, and it's something I've really been praying about.
off the cuff, not ranked in any kind of order:
-Sometimes it's a matter of self reflection - if you find it hard to reconcile differences with someone else, perhaps it's necessary to take an honest look at yourself-- are you harboring jealousy, resentment, personal insecurities? If you don't even like yourself, how can you be motivated to love others?
-Being connected/accountable to a church body
-serving others...at home, at work, in your community, wherever you can. being an active, not passive citizen and sharing your light.
-perhaps this is a bit of a cliche, but the classic 'read your bible, pray everyday'
good night.
TJ made excellent points, unconditional love IS love without requirement..
As Jesus said, what reward is there in loving those who love you? Even tax collectors are capable of that (EVEN those dang tax collectors, that part makes me laugh) -- we're called to demonstrate that SAME love to everyone regardless of how they may feel or act towards you. It can be a tough pill to swallow.
Actually, what it reminds me of, is when I was a little girl, and my sisters and I would really get into it, my mother would force us to apologize -- and the worst part - to HUG and KISS each other.
Oh the HORROR!
I would have preferred any other punishment. Spanking, extra chores, whatever. Anything but having to swallow my pride and hug the same sister I was just fighting with. (ended a sentence with a preposition, deal with it)
I know I'm lacking in indiscriminately loving those who don't necessarily love or like me, and I'm totally guilty of being apathetic rather than proactively/actively demonstrating love in certain situations. I find it difficult to unburden myself to others, or let people love me as well, and it's something I've really been praying about.
off the cuff, not ranked in any kind of order:
-Sometimes it's a matter of self reflection - if you find it hard to reconcile differences with someone else, perhaps it's necessary to take an honest look at yourself-- are you harboring jealousy, resentment, personal insecurities? If you don't even like yourself, how can you be motivated to love others?
-Being connected/accountable to a church body
-serving others...at home, at work, in your community, wherever you can. being an active, not passive citizen and sharing your light.
-perhaps this is a bit of a cliche, but the classic 'read your bible, pray everyday'
good night.
Unconditional love to me, mean's loving someone though we might not fully agree with their decisions. Unconditional love means letting someone go when we know there is better out there. Looking out for someone, putting someone above ourself. As a mother does with her child. The child means everything to her. For me unconditional love is something that is fading away.
We focus so much on external things we forget to see people for their true beauty, the beauty that God has give us all. The beauty of an amazing spirit, and an incredible heart.
When I think of unconditional love, I think of Jesus and though everyone hated him he loved them anyway. Jesus showed loved in all the things he did. He never hated, never retaliated. He remained faithful through love, through compassion.
Jesus is my example of unconditional love. Loving those who hated him, who killed him, loving sinners, loving the poor, loving the sick, and loved without ending. His loved never gained him a thing, and that is conditional love!!
We focus so much on external things we forget to see people for their true beauty, the beauty that God has give us all. The beauty of an amazing spirit, and an incredible heart.
When I think of unconditional love, I think of Jesus and though everyone hated him he loved them anyway. Jesus showed loved in all the things he did. He never hated, never retaliated. He remained faithful through love, through compassion.
Jesus is my example of unconditional love. Loving those who hated him, who killed him, loving sinners, loving the poor, loving the sick, and loved without ending. His loved never gained him a thing, and that is conditional love!!