What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “unconditional love”?
Maybe unconditional love sounds like a wonderful, comforting thing. Or perhaps, when you hear those words together, a part of you doubts that such a thing truly exists.
Imperfect Examples of Love
If I had to guess, all of us could probably think of a time where love came with conditions.
You thought that person would stay forever, but then they left. A parent only praised you when you performed well in school, but then would become angry when you failed. Your best friend stopped hanging out with you when they started a new relationship. You opened up and told someone at your church your struggles, but then they judged you for it.
Everyone’s story is different, but at one time or another, someone we loved or trusted has let us down.
I know for me when I have experienced these situations, it’s easy to let my experiences with people shape my view of God’s love for me.
So often, I find myself striving to earn God’s love or hiding parts of myself in an effort to keep God’s love. I become afraid that if I go too far or don’t react to things perfectly that God will get angry and leave me forever. I stop trusting God’s heart for me because I don’t want to be vulnerable.
Honestly, it’s difficult for me to believe that God loves me- no conditions and no strings attached.
If you can relate at all, here is the truth I want you to hear, that I need to hear today: God loves you unconditionally.
God’s Perfect Love
God’s love is unwavering for you. Nothing you could do, say, or think can keep you from the love of God. The Lord isn’t worried about you being perfect. God won’t leave you when you make a mistake or fail. He isn’t determining His love for you by how often you pray or read your Bible.
God loves you as you are right now in this moment more than He ever has, and nothing will ever change His love.
1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 describes characteristics of love:
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
Maybe you know in your head that God loves you. You may have heard this verse thousands of times before, but do you really believe it?
When you truly grasp the unconditional love of God, it changes everything.
At Mercy, we see this moment so many times in our residents’ lives. Fear, anger, unforgiveness, anxiety, depression, addiction – nothing can stand against the LOVE of God. When a young woman in our program understands she is loved unconditionally no matter her past, that is when true life transformation begins to happen.
What would it look like to live your life knowing how much God loves you? Because, friends, He does love you. I hope today you are constantly reminded of God’s unconditional love for YOU!
Mercy Multiplied is a free-of-charge residential counseling program that helps young women ages 13-32 break free from life-controlling issues and situations. Apply today or learn more by visiting MercyMultiplied.com.
Want more? Listen to our MercyTalk Podcast episode “Steps to Intimacy with God” for more practical tips. For daily inspiration, follow us @MercyMultiplied on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!