Within our relationships, we come broken, carrying baggage. Needing to uphold our self-image, we bring all our brokenness to the relationship in hopes to be repaired. Our needs outweigh our ability to love unconditionally another just for who they are. Often, our “loving” someone is dependent upon how they make us feel about ourselves. In other words, we love ourselves more than we truly love the other person in the relationship. It is no wonder we live in a society where relationships are broken, divorce is rampant, and family arguments rip siblings and parents apart. Furthermore, we see the divisions in society, where everyone is screaming so loudly against each other rather than to allow grace and civility to reign. Because of sin, we are a broken people. So, is there any hope that we can learn to love unconditionally, as God does?
Precisely, that was the problem within my relationship with mom. I was more concerned with “how I felt” than in seeing the beauty of who she is in God’s eyes. Even when I strove, sacrificially, to do things to bring her joy, I was thinking of me. Of course, I wanted to feel better about me. Or perhaps, to declare myself a “saint” by my actions. Only God, can transform us from the inside out and give us a new heart of understanding, grace and unconditional love toward other flawed and broken people. We are all broken because of sin.
Learning to Love Unconditionally
Miraculously, in my life, God used another individual suffering from bi-polar to open my eyes so that I could learn to love Mom unconditionally. As God transformed my heart to love Pete unconditionally, He opened my heart to see everything differently. I also began to understand the love unconditionally that God’s grace afforded me. “But God commandeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). As I learned to trust in God’s love for me, my heart transformed so that I could love others for who they are, not merely how they make me feel about myself.
That does not mean that I love sin; but, it does mean I love the sinner. Sometimes, that means in gentle humility, I speak the truth and stand in defense of the abused and down trodden. But I do so from a heart desiring to spread the gospel message to a broken dying world.
My greatest gift, most precious treasure is Jesus Christ. If I truly unconditionally love the world as Christ did, then I want to share that treasure with everyone I meet. Knowing that the only hope, joy, and true love humanity can find are found in a relationship with God, through faith in Jesus Christ, then, I must shout His name from the rooftops. To do so; however, requires my life also be an example of His love. I must die to my selfish desire for self-exaltation. Only when I come to the end of me, can His love unconditionally shine through me to others.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.
ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?
If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here
Or if you would like to tell me your story or thoughts comment here
For previous post regarding God’s love:
5 Virtues Gained by Really Knowing the Love of God
What Does Perfect Love REally Look Like?
What Does Mustard Seed Faith Have to Do With Love?
Or for poetry
Do You Want to Know the Secret to Abiding Steadfast Joy?
A labor of love, this book provides you with 3 foundations of truth from the scripture which once known will provide you with abiding, steadfast joy. Undaunted by the storms of life; your joy will overflow.
WHEN INJUSTICE AND VIOLENCE REIGN:
Through a study of Nahum, Habukkuk, and Zephaniah; I brought their message into our modern times. Answering the questions of “Why, God?”
Providing a foundation of faith and hope; even, as we see so much evil in the world and in our nation. With so much sorrow and despair, this book I wrote to guide you into discovering God’s Perfect Plan of love; amid this chaotic world filled with life’s storms.
You may click on the picture for more information on either of these books.
ANOTHER Book Available
You can find this and all my books on Amazon.com, search Effie Darlene Barba or click this link to be taken there
OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE
If you want to know more about other books I have written: You can read more about each one at: Book Resources.
Or for inspirational photos or home decor click here.
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Footnotes and Credits
Photo by Alexandru Zdrobău on Unsplash