Unconditionally

Matthew 5:46-47 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?  And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so?

There is no doubt whatsoever that some people are easier to love than others. Yet, this is the area where God challenges us most. He clearly calls us to love in a way that is both foreign and strange to this world, and its way of thinking. We can so easily return kindness to those who are kind toward us. We can go the extra mile for a friend or family member that we love. Yet, God calls us to love our enemies, those who use us, and are unkind toward us. He calls us to love the stranger, who is our neighbor, and to love, even more, those we call our brothers and sisters in Christ. In case you have not noticed, not all of God's children are easy to love (self included). Yet, God loves us, loves them, and died for all of us in order to fully demonstrate His love. So, what possible excuse could we have for not loving others with the same unconditional love we are loved with? I would have to say that there is NO excuse. As we celebrate the season of our Savior's birth (regardless of what our opinion might be about when He was born); a true celebration of His love, are we doing all we can to demonstrate that same love toward others? We cannot say we love God, if we are not loving others in the same manner He loves us...unconditionally.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).