Unconditional Love

"We say we want to love others just as God loves us, but too often we end up choosing comfort and convenience over compassion" (Houston 146). Brian Houston's words hit me pretty hard while I was reading his book. It seems like I'm always trying to improve on judging others less and showing unconditional love, but I tend to stray from my motives. A few harsh words or unfair situations can make me forget how I've been called to show the love God gives every single day. Jesus specifically helped the ones who were considered to be sinners. An adulterous woman, a tax collector, a Samaritan woman. Jesus didn't come to reside with the ones with power or authority, Jesus came to save the ones who were considered to be the lowest of lows (Houston 147). Jesus never failed to show unconditional love, regardless of the reputation it gave him. God is ready to give love to anyone. He doesn't consider the past sins someone has committed, their race, their sexual orientation, or their religious views. Houston evoked me to do the same; to love as Jesus has loved me.

It can be hard to muster up the courage to sit by someone sitting alone at lunch. It's even harder to love on the people I get into arguments with. However, I'll never be able to choose to come across certain people or situations, but the way I react will always be my choice. Houston further justifies this by stating, "Our world is full of disagreement. But thank God that our loving acceptance of people doesn't have to be built on agreeing with them. Our loving acceptance of them is built on the cross" (149). The cross proves the inexpiable love God gives. God knew that people would mock Jesus' name, and that this hate would grow to the point where they would crucify the very person that came to save them. Houston encourages the reader as he suggests that we align ourselves with God's mission and to love people with unconditional love (150). By way of Houston's words, I shouldn't allow myself to become comfortable. I need to continue to radiate the love God gives, every chance I get. This can be through choosing to pray for someone I'm annoyed with, or being the company someone needs when they're alone.

Where do you find the chances to give love?

Houston, Brian. Live, Love, Lead: Your Best Is Yet to Come! New York: FaithWords, 2015. Print