Unconditional love

We all understand unconditional love to a point but do we really SHOW unconditional love to everyone the way Jesus wants and expects us to? We love our families and friends but we also tend to judge others who are not like us, have a different social status, are differnts nationalities, those who have different body types and looks, have disablilites, have different morals or values, and spiritual beliefs . Why, because we are human!

The Lord has taken me on a journey through learning about Love and loving everyone equally. I am one person who still struggles with this but know that with the Lords help I will learn fully to love the way Jesus loves. Jesus looks at each and everyone of the same and so should we. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ who are emotional, dirty, snotty nose Orphans loved and cared for by Jesus. So why should we treat one person any different than any other?

I believe the Lord placed Josh and I where we are living today to teach me a little patients and as an opportunity to learn more about loving thy neighbor, LITERALY. We live in a developement with a lady who is mentally disabled right across the street and We never anticipated it to be different than living in any other neighborhood. We were wrong...There are many times we feel like we are being watched constantly, can't have time outside without her running over or wanting to talk to us, and just no privacy what so ever. We have lived here going on eight years now and are finally learning to love our neighbor as part of our family. I have a love for her like one of my children now and even though its hard at times I am so greatful for being placed here and a part of her life. My own children are learning to stick up for her when others are putting her down and to respect her even though she can be more childlike than them. She is a child of God and needs love and affection just as much as any of us. I must say our neighbor is the prime example of love she is always wanting to help, giving constantly, and always wanting to please everyone else.

When we loose someone we love or one of our own children gets hurt or sick we feel our hearts sink and feelings of sadness, pain, agony, and stife take over. But, in the same situations with an aquaintaince or a complete stanger the feelings just aren't the same. Why is this? Jesus mourns for each and everyone of us equally, right? Aren't we all called to do the same? Mourning and praying with those who have lost or reaching out to those who need help to show them the love of Christ. The love should be equal...no greater no less wether they are blood relatives or not!!! I am so greatful for all my adopted family in Christ and for those who have reached out to me in times of need throughout my life even when they didnt really know me...it is a touching experience and I hope to do the same for others as well. The more we add new family to our families the more the light of Jesus will shine in this world and the body of Christ will grow.

I encourage everyone to reach out to others, even if it feels unconfortable at times, and let God work through you to bring new children to him. Visit a nursing home and adopt a new grandma or grandpa, go to a youth organization and make new relationships with children and teens who just want someone to listen and accept them, Give to the person on the corner begging even if you see them all the time and know its a scam, volunteer your time is places you normally would not, help an elderly woman unload some groceries from her cart and into her car, make friends with those who are disabled and need help with simple daily tasks or someone to just talk to when they are lonely, befriend the person who everyone turns away from and talks about because they are dirty and smell, help someone with an addiction get the help they want and need but are afraid to step out and do it on their own, hug a crying stranger and tell them Jesus loves them, Love your enemies and the ones who continue to hurt you, smile, be encourageing to all and above all else simply love the way Christ loves us!!!! Dont let Satan discourage you or try to hold you back with excuses because with Christ ALL things are possible.