No Strings

~ Romans 8:38-39

I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Jesus Christ our Lord.

The Problem:

Consider the word 'unconditional.' This adjective captures an absolute quality, describing something pure and perfect in every way. It speaks to a state of being completely unrestricted and unreserved. When something is described as unconditional, it means no demands are made and no limits are set upon it.

These three statements serve as examples of 'unconditional'. “That was the best meal I have ever eaten." "That party last night was an unqualified success." "She was positively the best in her field of endeavor.” These statements were made without stipulations, disclaimers, or conditions. The following three statements have limits imposed: “It was the best meal I’ve ever eaten… in this restaurant.” Stipulation. “The party was a tremendous success… until Uncle Guido showed up.” Disclaimer. “She was the best in her field… considering her nationality.” Condition. To say that something has no conditions might be misleading, especially in today’s double standards and gray areas.

Often, when a person declares, "I love you unconditionally," it's because the circumstances that might challenge or contradict that claim haven't appeared yet. Realistically, Man’s love can never be “unconditional.” (I don’t care what the Valentine’s Day card says!) Nevertheless, the L-word is bandied about using every creative term of endearment available, long before the Bard ever dipped his quill. “The course of true love never did run smooth.” William Shakespeare. (Midsummer Night’s Dream, Act 1, scene 1, line 136.) 

Since then, other authors and lyricists apply superlatives liberally pledging “undying” this, or vowing “unconditional” that. Hallmark identified man’s hubris long ago; their business model has profited from humanity’s excessive exaggerations since 1910! Who are we kidding? Go ahead and admit it, my friends! We are incapable of an unconditional kind of love. But that’s OK. Do the best you can, Man.

The Promise:

But I know someone Who can show love unconditionally, and He does so every millisecond that humanity draws breath. The Creator of the Universe has no restrictions, prerequisites, or specifications on our foolish, mortal, or immoral circumstances. There are no hidden clauses in His contract or obscure legal jargon to confuse love further. (It’s pretty confusing to us as it is!) Seeing that He is the only One who can unconditionally love us should be plain. Our God in heaven is Supreme and Unequivocal. No situation in this material world could ever change that. No provision that exists on the spiritual plane can alter it either. That is why He is God. Creator. Producer. Director. That’s why He cast His only begotten Son as Mankind’s Savior.

“Please welcome the Star of the Show, the One, the Only, Jesus the Christ, your Lord and Savior.” Only by His act of unconditional love has Jesus made our separation from His Father impossible. God binds us with His most secure lifeline that can never be severed! No conditions whatsoever! For all eternity, across the Universe, known and beyond, there is only one constant and trustworthy assurance: justified and valid. It is the assurance of God’s love for us. And yes, it is perfectly “unconditional!” Read about it in “The Finer Print” below.

~ Romans 8:38-39

I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Jesus Christ our Lord.