Trending
A phrase we haven't seen or used in a long time is unconditional love. It is a quite beautiful phrase, concept, philosophy, motivation or desire, action, and prayer that we should aspire to have. Let our motives and actions be expressions of unconditional love, always. The greatest commandment (Matthew 22: 37-40) in our hearts, minds and souls, is love, unconditionally. MARVELOUS!
To more appreciate the depth of the phrase the opposite must be considered; that is conditional motives and action (It is not unconditional love if it has strings attached). Unfortunately, we are plagued and value a more selfish notion and too often ask 'what's in it for me?' If I do something, it is looked at as an investment expecting a return, and it should be profitable. Expected is at least a quad pro quo, a this for that. Somehow, justice requires it. There is a difference, however, between worldly justice and Divine justice.
True unconditional love, whose source is God, expects absolutely nothing back, ever! There is a difference in what we may give back, however. What is desired (not required) by God is unconditional love as well; all of us, mind, heart, and soul, always. Let that be our choice, and choosing. Let our response be unconditional love, like God's is to us. Unconditional loving, back and forth, wouldn't that be great!
Too, that is how we are to love one another, unconditionally. Consider the many thousands of people, just in Alpena, over the years who have volunteered their time, talents, and treasure for their brothers and sisters who were in need. Whether hungry, cold and in need of shelter, without sufficient clothing, etc. the acute needs of Alpena folks have always been responded to. The less noticed needs of the lonely, elderly or disabled, the children in our area have been responded too as well. Lest there be a criticism of over-romanticizing those in need, consider the harder to love, i.e. the incarcerated criminal, the drug or alcohol addict, those who present with hygiene issues, etc. They have been cared for as well by their sisters and brothers. (You know who you are……)
The great majority of loving is unsung and anonymous, as it should be (Matthew 6:1-4). Don't even congratulate yourself on your good acts, be humble before the Lord. Let us at least desire that our loving be unconditional and anonymous and thus be much more beautiful. Just look around you.