The Outrageous Conditions of Religion

My prayers have changed significantly over the years. I am no longer the uncertain beggar trying to convince God of my worthiness to be blessed. I do not try to convince Him I am worthy to love. I am not. I know it, He knows it, and He laughs, for His love is “just because.” He loves—no explanation needed. He loves, period. If there is any convincing to be done, it is in my need to accept His incredible, unconditional love for me. Oh, I know that we are taught about His unconditional love, but religion always seems to give it conditions.

What? How can unconditional love have conditions? This is just one of religion’s many outrageous oxymorons. Conditional unconditional love is a conundrum that will never find its way into true abiding, because it opposes everything for which Jesus gave Himself.

Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone (Psalms 33:22).

But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) (Ephesians 2:4-5)

Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him (1 John 4:7-9).

Reflect

What conditions have you imposed on God’s unconditional love for you? You can rest in the reality of God’s love for you without adding further requirements.

Respond

As you sit quietly with Jesus, ask Him to reveal conditions you have added to His unconditional love for you. Journal your responses.

How will I make this visible through my life today?