The pursuit of Jesus after His children is the exact reflection of unconditional love; not to mention the crucifixion. There have been numerous situations that have arisen here and afar lately that have taught me, or at least made me think more and more about unconditional love and what Jesus means by that. Are children or adults supposed to love or forgive a father or mother "figure" in their lives if they left them to fend for themselves? Are they supposed to continue to attempt to make amends with authority figures who have crossed them over and over again, bringing deep scars and wounds that will last a lifetime? Are children supposed to stay in pursuit of these individuals as Christ did for us and continues to do for those who don't know Him or have fallen away from Him? Forgiveness and unconditional love, or wisdom? I don't know the answer.
I see firsthand the effects of children's lives when again, their mother or father "figure" have failed in their life. Emotional scars, trust issues, a lack of communication skills, depression, questions, deep rooted pain, fronts, anger, unfortunately I could go on and on. What do these children and young adults do? Though cliche, I truly wonder what Jesus would do? I find myself at times giving guidance, that quite honestly seems unrealistic. It is so much easier said than done; forgive, love. How do you go about forgiving someone who made a conscious decision to leave your life the second they found out you were conceived (not to mention, them trying to jump back in your life 16 years later)? How do you forgive someone in your life who has chosen to love crack, alcohol, or any addiction more than they love you? Do you forgive everyone who has purposefully crossed you? I know Jesus did. Do you love everyone who has purposefully crossed you? I know Jesus did. Or, do you seek out wisdom in dealing with the situation at hand, knowing every circumstance is different.
I think there is a magnitude of power behind these words: unconditional love, forgiveness, and wisdom. I think these specific words reflect the difference between our Savior, Jesus Christ and His people. Where we are afraid to put our heart out there and hurt, Jesus loves; where we want to hold a grudge, Jesus forgives; where we want to take everything on ourselves, Jesus provides wisdom. God, I pray that you will intercede for your people; that through the cross, we will find the strength to live as you lived.
Love deeply.
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