Unconditional Love

43 ‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” 44But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. 46For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax-collectors do the same? 47And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. ~ Matthew 5:43-48

There are five types of "love" that are written about in the Bible.  Mania, which hinges on obsession toward someone.  Eros, which is an emotional attachment to someone.  Philos, which is brotherly love or friendship.  Storgy, which is like parental love toward a dependent. Last, but not least, the one most talked about in the Bible - Agape, which is concentrates on being given freely to all, like charity - even to our enemies.  

God loves each and every one of us so completely, that He gave His one and only Son to die for all that we do wrong so that we have access to Him directly and have a relationship with Him as a father to his child.  He did this before He even created us, knowing that in order for us to be able to come before Him, pure and blameless, we would need to have had our sins paid for through the blood of the ultimate sacrifice.  Since He has loved us so completely before we were even brought into being, should we not also love as God loves?  This is how He wishes for us to love - to love even those that seem not worth loving - our very enemies.

Who do you tend to ignore and despise?  Rethink how God views these same people and show the love of God to all - through prayer and actions - so that your works may be an offering to God for the unconditional love He has bestowed on us all.  Through your unconditional love to even your worst enemy, you will become a blessing from God to all who encounter you.

Prayer

Lord,Fill me and use me as an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hate, help me sow love - no matter how difficult the situation may be - so that all who see me may see Your light shining through me.  Amen.

~ Wendy Miller