Advent Devotional 3
When David asked me to do this, I really wanted to say no because not just one specific gift of unconditional love popped into my head. So, I will start with the 2nd question first, “What is the greatest gift God has given you?”
The Lord should get so annoyed with me and just put up his hands and say, “That is it!” However, I know the Lord will not do that because I have strong faith that nothing can separate me from God’s unconditional love.
That leads to the 1st question, and I would have to start with my mom and dad and my brother and sister who always showed me unconditional love. I was a late-in-life third child and a pest to my nine-year older brother, but I knew he always loved me. I only have my wonderful sister living now, so she has shown me unconditional love my entire life even though we are so different and have such opposing political views, that never gets in the way of our love for one another. Having experienced that unconditional love growing up, allowed me to show that same unconditional love to my husband (who has also shown me unconditional love for 52 years!), our daughter and son and son-in-law, and our grandkids and they continue that unconditional love with their families.
God’s unconditional love sets the foundation which allows us to give the best gift of all, unconditional love. If we could all show that type of love to everyone, like Christ does, what a gift that would be to Christ for his sacrifice on the cross. It is not easy to show that love to everyone. Christ does not say, “I love you unconditionally if you think this way or do this task.” He never says,” I will love you unconditionally, but you need to change.” I am enough for Christ just the way I am ~ that is unconditional love to me, to love someone despite all their flaws.
I will quote Cecil Tayler, a good friend of mine, from his excellent book, Live Like You’re Loved: “When you gain the heart knowledge that God loves you, you realize your value and worth and it transforms the way you approach life.” (and others)
LuAnn Dolly
