Experiencing Unconditional Love

When I first became a Christian, I knew I needed God’s forgiveness and salvation from my sins.  But it would be two decades before I would really grasp the magnitude of His love and how much I needed it!

Growing up, I learned to equate others’ love and acceptance with my good behavior.  When I hit my teenage years, I expertly hid my sins from those closest to me to avoid the disgust and rejection I knew would come otherwise.  Inside, it was heartbreaking not to feel loved unconditionally for who I was in spite of my sins.  But there was nothing I could do to change that unfortunate reality.

After committing my life to Jesus at 20 years old, I knew He loved me.  But a big part of me believed His love for me was a performance-based “love.”  That model had been ingrained in me for too long to let go of it that easily.

But that day eventually came when I turned 40.

Facing an unexpected life crisis caused me to finally understand the magnitude of God’s grace and unconditional love for me.  Yes, me!  The imperfect child who fell short of perfection constantly was still dearly loved by God for who she was and not for what she did or failed to do!  There was such freedom knowing I was unconditionally loved by God even if everyone else forsook me for failing to live up to their expectations.

God’s love and grace changed me from the inside out.  I learned to love people where they were.  I learned to extend grace to those struggling in sin.  Most importantly, I learned to accept and walk in the grace Jesus pours out on me every day – not because I deserve it – but because He loves me with an everlasting love that never fades away.

What about you?  How has God’s love and grace changed you?  Let me know in the comments.