God sent His perfect, sinless Son to earth in the form of a man to be scorned, beaten, stoned, and then hung on a cross with nails driven into His hands and feet to die for our sins. Why? Because God loves us unconditionally, and He knew the only way to save us from sin was to sacrafice His own Son; lay all of our sins upon Him, so that we may know everlasting life. This is the meaning of unconditional love.
If this example is not enough, let's give another. As Jesus was being crucified, as they were driving the nails into his hands and feet and hanging Him to die on Calvary, He did not look upon these people with anger. Instead He prayed, "Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do." Would you have the ability to do this while someone was crucifying you? Most of the time people are ready to seek revenge if even a negative word is spoken against them.
If we still don't have a clear understanding of unconditional love, then let's take a look at this scenario. Jesus is hanging between two thieves; one on His left and one on His right. Jesus knew they were sinners. One of the thieves insulted Jesus by saying, " Aren't You the Christ? Save us and Yourself!" The thief on the other side rebuked the first, telling him that they deserved to hang there, but Jesus did nothing wrong and did not. He then turned his head to look at Jesus and said, " Jesus, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom." Jesus could have ignored his request, knowing this man was a sinner. But in an act of His unconditional love he responded by saying to the man, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."
There are literal definitions for "unconditional love" but the only meaning that matters is God's definition. God does not just show love, God IS love. He gave His only Son because He loves us, His earthly children so much that He wanted to make a way for us to all be with Him for eternity. While some may debate that God's love is conditional because we must first accept Jesus as the Lord of our lives, I will debate that God still loves us, saved or not. He cannot do anymore to insure our path to Heaven than sacraficing His only child for us. Are you still not convinced?
Let's take a trip back to the Old Testament and the days of Abraham. God blessed Him with a son named Isaac, and oh how Abraham loved His son. But then came the day that God told Abraham that he needed to sacrafice HIS only son. Abraham obeyed God, taking Isaac to the mountain God had instructed. He prepared the wood on the altar, bound Isaac, and raised his knife to slay him. An angel of God spoke and told Abraham to stop. He had proven his respect and love for God by willingly doiong as he was instructed, even though it would have hurt him greatly. In turn, God spared Isaac and blessed Abraham greatly.
So what does this have to do with today, or your current relationships? The most important relationship you can ever have in this life is a relationship with God. If you give Him unconditional love, you will surely be blessed. He rains down upon each and every one of us His unconditional love every day, whether we realize it or not. He is our source of comfort, He is our strength when we are weak, He is our defense when fall under the attacks of life, and He delivers us from all trials and turbulation. Once you have formed a loving, unconditional relationship with God, you are better equipped to love those around you unconditionally.
John 13:34 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." Jesus spoke these words to His disciples. Yet they were not just a commandment to them, they were a commandment to us all. Yes, it's important to turn the other cheek. Yes, it's important not to judge unless you would also like to be judged. But the most important above everything is to love. It saves hearts, spares relationships, and allows the greatness of God to work through you in your life.
For those who may still not understand the meaning of unconditional love, I will give one more example. How many times in your life have you done something to hurt someone you love; something they didn't forgive you for? Not only may you be feeling guilt for hurting them, but you are then hurt because they have not forgiven you, because they do not show you unconditional love. This lack of love has divided families and ruined relationships. It has destroyed lives and hardened hearts. Though many are quick to receive unconditional love, they are not always quick to give it.
Though love is a feeling that occurs naturally, it is also a choice. It can come with a price tag, or it can be given freely. God gave it freely. His Son, Jesus, gave it freely. Those who have accepted Jesus are able to give it freely and this is because He lives inside of us. The love He gave becomes the love we give. Showing unconditional love can turn something bad into something great. While Webster's Dictionary is a wonderful resource for many meanings and definitions, when it comes to love, God's Word is the explanation I need.