God's Unconditional Love: A Believer's Perspective
As a Believer in and Follower of Jesus Christ, nothing you can do will increase God's love for or favor of you.
David Alessio
10/22/20243 min read
God's Love
We sometimes miss the nature of God's love for us. Does He truly love us unconditionally, like some ministers and teachers say? See us as blameless? Worthy of his care, compassion, unending favor and affection regardless of how we feel or what we do on any given day? This question, a stalwart of many theological discussions, prompts us to explore and recognize the depth and breadth of His love for us, believers in and followers of Jesus Christ. Throughout the Scriptures we read accounts and declarations; see stories hear allegories that assure us of God’s unwavering affection towards us, a love that surpasses human understanding, yet we often have questions, concerns, and doubts.
God's Love: for Humanity
Unconditional love is defined as not being contingent upon conditions or circumstances. For you and I, in the context of our relationship with God, it means that His love is not based on our actions or merits (things we do or have earned). This axiom of truth is declared in John 3:16: "For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life," key word believe. This passage clarifies that God's love encompasses all humanity without regard for conditions, circumstances, or consequences; unbiased; independent; impartial of our flaws and failures.
God's Love: Manifested
Jesus Christ, fully God, fully man, offered far-reaching insights and revelations concerning God’s unconditional love. Throughout the Gospels (translated "Good News"), we see Jesus extending love and grace to sinners, outcasts, and foreigners. His sacrificial death on the cross serves as the ultimate testament to God’s unwavering commitment to humanity: "There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends" (John 15:13). In Romans 5:8, we read, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This powerful declaration confirms that God's love does not waver with our shortcomings; instead, it invites us into a deeper relationship with Him.
Parables told by Jesus such as the Prodigal Son illustrate and confirm the immutable truth of God’s unconditional love. The father in the story, running toward his lost son, readily forgives and embraces him, showcasing that no one is beyond the reach of God's love, regardless of their past actions. Such narratives not only inspire faith but also reassure us that God's love is always available to you today, without precondition.
God's Love: Assurance for Today
Can you say--and mean it!--I am happy and
thankful that God in heaven, my heavenly Father (ABBA in Old Testament original Hebrew language) loves me and looks at me with favor and affection, every day? Embracing the truth of God's unconditional love empowers believers to live joyfully despite life circumstances. Understanding that we are loved desperately despite our shortcomings also frees us to extend that love to others. When we know we are recipients of grace, we become more compassionate and forgiving, mirroring the love we have received from God.
I submit to you, Believer, the answer to whether God loves you and I unconditionally is a resounding yes. It starts with Jesus Christ, his death on the cross in lieu of our failures and sins, and your decision to accept and follow him. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are reminded that His love is a constant, unwavering presence in our lives. It’s an offer to clutch and engage a relationship with Him, grounded in Christ through faith and grace. As we grow in our understanding of this incredible truth, we are called to live out His love in every aspect of our lives, impacting those around us with the same grace and mercy that God extends to us.