When most of us think about Mother's day, we think of the unconditional love that our mother shows us. From the time that we are a child through adulthood, we have had someone constantly loving us and watching over us. I realize that there is a significant number of you reading this that have not had a loving relationship with your mother. Instead of this day being filled with great joy, it is full of heartache and sadness. Some may have even lost their mom and do not have the privilege of wishing her a great Mother's day.
What does it mean to show unconditional love to others? From my perspective, unconditional love is the giving of from one's self, expecting nothing in return. It reminds me of when I saw each of my three children enter the world when they were born. It is amazing the amount of love and excitement that you have for someone that cannot love you back. When you see your newborn child, you immediately fall in love with them. You want to care for them and protect them. You shower them with unconditional love.
1 John 4:8 NASB “The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”
What does it mean when unconditional love is not there?
I have seen several instances in my family where unconditional love is not there. Selfish pride gets in the way of caring for others. When I read 1 John 4:8, it makes sense that some people are not able to show unconditional love towards others. If you love God, then you will naturally show it to others. As followers of Christ, we try to replicate the love that God shows us. It is hard for someone who does not have the joy of the Lord in their heart to show unconditional love.
Love is not something that we can pretend to do. It is blatantly obvious when someone is trying to fake love. Love is more than our words; it is our actions. If we truly have a love of God in our heart, it will naturally shine out. God's goodness cannot be hidden, but it is exposed for all of the worlds to see.
Why is unconditional love important?
I have been blessed in my life to be surrounded by many people that show unconditional love towards me. One of the things that does bring the greatest joy in my life is showing God's love and kindness to others. It makes you feel good inside to be a blessing to other people.
Doing something for someone that can never repay you, is one of the greatest ways to show genuine love.