When You Love A ProdigalSample

Gift of Unconditional Love

It is hard to comprehend God's unconditional love. Everyone has the ability to love. But when a person loves with human love, it is usually done with the expectation that they will be loved in return; there are strings attached. A person will only love for so long without receiving something back. Yet as a Christian we learn that God never stops loving. His love is unconditional; there is nothing we can do to earn it. And He wants to be able to share that love with all His children. He hopes to use Christians to show that love to others. God urges us to let go of our own hurts and hangups. He wants us to love others the way He loves others, fully and without conditions. Judy Douglass explains the true change that happens when God's love is shown to other people.

It is hard to walk away, or turn the other cheek, when someone strikes at you. Loving people that do not love you back can also be exhausting. Actions executed through our own strength will yield few results and leave us fatigued. God wants to demonstrate His love for others THROUGH us. When we allow Him to work through us, it is not our human love, but God's love that people are receiving. Because it is God's love, it will make a much larger impact. God will multiply your efforts and true change will come. This change will be in the lives of the people around you and in your life as well.

Apply

• Are there any relationships that are draining you right now? Are you loving others the way God loves?
• What has God's love looked like in your life? How can you show that love to others in your life?