You can tell that my puppy has changed the way I live life considering that I am blogging about her in parts but God has taught me a lot about life through the beautiful creature that is my pet, Nala.
Spiritual Lessons Number 2: God’s love is unconditional
As I come home each day from a long day of work, as I pull up to the front of our home, I see Nala looking at the window waiting for me to come. As I walk into the door, I cannot get my keys on the key hanger or set my bag down before she is jumping on my leg, letting me know that she is glad to see me. She has been home all day alone and if my wife has been home before me, she still gives me the royal treatment when I come home. She demonstrates an unconditional love that is amazing towards me. I hug her, hold her, caress her and even let her lick my hand or face or ear . . . I know it’s a little personal but I love her so much it doesn’t bother me. What I have learned is that she can poop, pee, or bite through a cord and I still love her. I don’t love her because of what she does, I love her because of who she is, my pet Nala.
The same is true when it comes to our relationship with God. God is not keeping score trying to show us how many times we have messed up to determine whether or not he loves us. He has already obliterated the scoreboard of love by sending his son Jesus to die for us. Romans 5:8 says, “While we were still sinners Christ died for us.” He didn’t wait until we decided to follow him to die, he died in advance. John 15 says, “Greater love has no one than this than to lay down his life for his friend.” Jesus did just that so that we could receive the unconditional love of God demonstrated through his sacrifice. In return, God would love for us to demonstrate unconditional love to him. I have learned that my love for God cannot be based on what has happened to me but it needs to be based on who he is to me. Just like Nala loves me unconditionally, I want to give that same love to my heavenly father who provides, protects and purposes my life on a daily basis. Take some time to thank God for his unconditional love today and then consider if you are showing unconditional love to him today.
