Unconditional Love

We love because he first loved us.

1 John 4:19 (NIV)

“Mommy, do you still love me?”

            His words sent me reeling. “Of course, I love you, sweetheart! Nothing and no one could ever change that.”

            “Even when I have a meltdown at school and you have to come get me?”

            I lower myself onto the bed where my son lies curled up in a ball. His favorite cat quilt covers his face so his words sound muted, yet I can hear the sadness in his voice.

            “Son, my love for you does not depend on your actions or your moods. I am sad when you don’t behave as I wish you would, but that would never stop me from loving you. I love you because you are my son. I love you because you are a beautiful person and someone who is very special to me. I love you just the way you are and I will always love you, no matter what you do or where you go.”

            He peeks over the edge of his blanket, his eyes still wet with tears. “I love you too, Mom.”

            Now it’s my turn to cry. This little boy God entrusted into my care has completely and utterly wrapped himself around my heart and I just want to reach out and snuggle him close. But he doesn’t care to be cuddled, so I settle for a quick hug.

            As I sit beside my son, I am mindful of God’s unconditional love for me. I don’t need to strive for God’s love, nor seek to be worthy in His sight. God loves me regardless of my accomplishments or failures. God’s love does not depend on who I am or what I do – or don’t do. Rather, God’s love depends solely on the truth that He is love.

God chose to lavish His love upon me long before I was even born. He loves me.  Period. Nothing can ever change that.

Thought: “The more we love, the more love we have to offer. So it is with God’s love for us. It is inexhaustible.” – Mary C. Neal, M.D.

For further reading:

• John 3:16
• Romans 5:8
• Ephesians 2:5
• 1 John 3:1

Excerpt from A Year in God’s Classroom

https://a.co/d/bV3upey