Unconditional Love

What does it mean to imitate God?

Lately, God has been teaching me about loving/serving others without expecting anything back. That is the definition of "unconditional love," isn't it? Love that does not have to be earned in any way. "While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Rom. 5:8) We didn't earn God's love and we can't do anything to repay Him. So that is what we should imitate; loving the unlovable and giving to those who can't give back. But how many times do I try to manipulate my personal relationships in order to get what I want? My spouse, my children, my friends... When I treat them right, then they should treat me right, shouldn't they? Sometimes, I even try to manipulate God and I only follow His commands because of what I can get back. We are promised blessings and peace and prosperity, right? But what about those times when I'm following all the "rules" and yet my life is falling apart? Do I quit?

It all comes back to the reality of what God did for me. I have to remember that every single day. I am a wicked sinner who does not deserve anything, and I follow God out of gratitude for His mercy and grace. No matter what comes my way, I will take it because the worst things in life are not even close to the punishment I deserve. "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him." (Job 13:15)

When I am able to remember these truths and quit loving myself so much, then I am able to look at others with grace and mercy. "He must increase and I must decrease." (John 3:30) Only when I am emptied of myself can God fill me up and use me as a vessel for His love. Because no matter how hard I try, I can never imitate God in my own strength. In fact, I think it is offensive to God when I try to appear righteous in the eyes of others. "There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness." (Prov. 30:13)

My Burden

Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

I was just talking with a friend about this verse a few days ago. So many people are still burdened with the concept of trying to be good enough. This results in either self-righteousness or an extreme sense of failure, not to mention - exhausting. Either way, we are totally consumed with self instead of loving others. But Jesus has fulfilled the Law. We don't have to carry that burden anymore.

I must remember to wake each morning admitting that I am not capable of any good thing on my own. My acts of righteousness are "as filthy rags" to Him. So I will release that burden and look outside myself. And once I allow myself to be imperfect, it is amazing how much grace I can show to other imperfect people. It's not about doing what is right or wrong today. It is about understanding how much I am loved and forgiven and then extending that love and forgiveness to others. That is a burden that is so much easier to carry around than perfection. And if any good things comes out of my actions today, I can be thankful that the day was not wasted.