Unconditional LOVE
But I say unto you which hear, love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, (Luke 6:27)
In the middle of Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain, he makes a paradoxical statement with three simple words that will change your mindset especially when adversity arises – love your enemies.
Love is a powerful emotion that can touch our lives in profound ways. When we think of love, we often imagine deep affection, loyalty, and a desire for the well-being of ones. However, there is a higher level of love that transcends the boundaries of time and space, known as unconditional love. So, when Jesus teaches us to love our enemies, is this unconditional love?
The other day, my father-in-law commented that after 80+ years of living he cannot recall having any enemy. He has had people who disliked him, but he cannot recall having an enemy. An enemy is a person who is hostile and often actively try to cause harm. Therefore, one must witness the conduct of another to determine if such an action causes harm to our well-being before we can claim that that individual is an enemy. In other words, if a person exhibits detrimental intent or willfully inflicts harmful actions on another, then you can characterize that person as your enemy. So, a friendless person does not equate with the definition of an enemy. Yet, our enemies, as Jesus emphasized in the Sermon on the Plain, must receive your love.
There is love and there is Unconditional Love which is different. Unconditional Love goes beyond the expectations of society. Unconditional Love accepts flaws, mistakes, and imperfections. Unconditional Love knows no boundaries and remains unwavering, even in the face of adversity. Unconditional Love is not based on external validation. Most of all, Unconditional Love flows from the inner being with the capacity to empathize others’ needs and feelings. Unconditional Love is independent of circumstances but depends on your bond with God, because Unconditional Love extends from God. Yet, love as a condition requires the validation from the recipients. For instance, an elderly lady with much experience with love stated love as follows: My love is like a water fountain, I can turn it off and I can turn it on. In contrast, Unconditional Love continues to flow endlessly to others including your enemies.
Therefore, when Jesus states, love your enemy, one must reach inwardly to pull out what only God has deposited. So, remember, when we embrace Unconditional Love, it will profoundly impact our well-being and the well-being of those around us. So, if you practice this paradox of loving your enemy, you will love like God simultaneously allowing God to flow freely, without attachments to others around you.
