Unconditional Love

S

(Job 1:9) Then Satan answered the Lord and said, "Does Job fear God for no reason?"

O

Satan (which means, "Adversary") postulated that Job served God only for the benefits God gave him. In other words, Job's love for God was conditional, not unconditional. But God, because of His righteousness, goodness, and unfailing, unconditional love for Job, and because of His perfect governing of the universe, allowed Job to enlarge his love of God. Though there's always room to grow, God defined Job's maturity as perfect sound (1:1,8,22; 2:3,10; 42:7,8).

A

I know I serve and love God because of the long-proven truth that He daily loads me with benefits (Psalm 68:19). I know my adversary--my accuser--would have me forget that truth and fail to appreciate God's multiplied blessings. When reading Hebrews 11 and Habakkuk 3:17-19, for example, I remember that hardship, suffering, and faith are necessary for my growth and for the benefits of other people.

P

Lord, You know how weak and timid and selfish I can be, yet You love me enough to help me overcome these crippling traits. Lord, I commit to love You unconditionally as well as I can despite whatever losses or tragedies that I might yet experience. I crush my fear of this prayer by relying on Your good character and unfailing love.