Title: The Myth of Unconditional Love/Topic: God's Love
Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 7; Deuteronomy 8; Deuteronomy 9; Mark 15
Scripture: Deuteronomy 8:19-20
19 If you ever forget the LORD your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed. 20 Like the nations the LORD destroyed before you, so you will be destroyed for not obeying the LORD your God.
Observation: God is speaking to his chosen people whom he loves in these verses. Even though he loves them, he makes it clear that he will destroy them if they choose to disregard what he says and live in any way they choose. This does not sound like the God of “unconditional love” that I have heard preached about so many times. In fact, as I read the Bible, I see that virtually without exception all the promises of God's blessings are conditional. There are many “If ---then” statements. If you will do this, then I will do that. The Bible does say that God is love and that his love is unfailing. What does that mean if his love is conditional? I believe it means that we cannot use up his forgiveness. If we repent of sin and disobedience, then he will forgive every time and restore us to full relationship with him. We cannot exhaust his patience or blow it so many times that he won't receive back if we come with a humble, repentant heart.
Application: If God's love is conditional but unfailing (an important distinction) it has serious repercussions for me. I cannot behave any way I please and expect that God will protect and bless me anyway just because I've accepted him into my heart. I must obey him. When I don't, I need to repent before I can expect forgiveness and restoration of my relationship with him and before I can expect to have his blessings flowing in my life. I think that the idea of unconditional love is a myth. God expects us to obey him and says that it is for our own good and benefit for us to do so. He also promises severe consequences if we don't obey. Fear of the Lord is based upon these truths.
Prayer: Father, I have set my heart to obey you. I know that sometimes I blow it and I thank you that when I do, your forgiveness is always there to cleanse me and restore me to relationship with you. Help me to understand these truths fully and properly. Where I need adjustment, speak to me by your Spirit. Thank you for your unfailing love and grace.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
1 Comments:
Cynthia,
Great post. The idea that it doesn't matter what you do, good or bad, with regard to God's love is so harmful -- and untrue. Many people, believing this to be true, stray from obedience and think there's no consequence. Then, because of that belief, they don't understand when they lose faith, or don't receive blessings, or don't feel a vibrant love for God. It is sad. Lies are destructive.
However, I do disagree with this line from your blog: "Fear of the Lord is based upon these truths." I think that fear of the Lord is based first on an understanding of God's awesomeness (power, majesty, beauty, etc.). Granted, comprehending this truth is certainly a part of the nurturing of a healthy fear of the Lord. I really enjoyed this post.
Michael
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