by Karla Perry

Created on: September 08, 2009

There is a world of difference between conditional and unconditional love. So much so, that one cannot be sure that conditional love can be love at all. The one, who puts conditions upon their love, holds a manipulative power rather than a sacrificial love that costs them something. The one who invest all in a relationship, holding nothing back, and loving unconditionally will experience a love greater than the one who maintains conditions. Regardless of whether the love is unrequited or requited, the unconditional lover knows real love because they give all.

Real love keeps no records of wrongs. It always hopes, always trusts, and always preservers. It does not boast. It is not easily angered. It rejoices in the truth. And it is never self-seeking. There is divine beauty in a relationship built on this kind of love reciprocated between two people.

In contrast, a conditional love, if it could be called love at all, would be one without trust and perseverance. One that is easily withdrawn when anger ensues and where wrongs are recorded. It is not one that rejoices in truth, but one built on fear. A conditional love has elements of real love, but it is perverted and distorted and needs to be released from its conditions to become something it was meant to be. It is perfect love that drives out fear, for the recipient can rest assured that no matter their faults love will abound.

A relationship cannot last on conditional love. It cannot find sustenance to sustain it through all life's trials. There is no security in conditional love. However, love is made perfect when it is flowing first between a person and God and then from the person to another person. It is a strand of three cords that is not easily broken. Connecting with divine love enables the flow of love between two people. When the divine connection is squelched it will also squelch the relationship.

The secret to a good relationship is to come to experience God's love and let His reality and His truth become manifested into your relationship. Some have tapped into this without realizing it, but many still do not understand the love of their Father and without this understanding they are hindered in all relationships. God loves perfectly and to know love is to know Him and to love is to love from a place in Him. There is no fear, manipulation, conditions, or records of wrongs when real love is being given. True love is always and forever unconditional.

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