Unconditional Love

Matthew 3:17

And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.

My youth baseball career ended in August 1998 at Edna Love Park in Indian Trail, N.C. The championship came down to three teams: my team (Columbus County), Indian Trail, and Hope Mills. We beat Indian Trail to get to the championship game and then lost a close game to Hope Mills and were eliminated. I didn’t get much playing time that summer. I battled it out for the starting spot at third base with another guy and he won the spot. I got one at-bat per game. I remember my dad telling me to make sure I got my money’s worth during that one at-bat, and I did. When the tournament ended, I remember walking out of the dugout and meeting my dad on the way to the parking lot. He gave me a big hug and said, “Just like Jesus’ dad told him, I want to tell you, you are my son, I love you, and I’m proud of you”. I will never forget that moment, it was all the affirmation I needed, and it set the tone for me going forward. 

Do we think that our father God feels that way about us? If we did, it would change the way we approached life. Jesus was yet to do any miracles or ministry when his Father said the above scripture about Him. God loved him simply because He was His son, not because he had done anything to earn it. God’s Word tells us that He feels the same way about us. Our identity and worth in Christ are based on what He has done and His mercy, not what we’ve done. When we grasp this truth, it will transform our daily walk. Quit trying to earn the love and approval of God and accept and embrace it. If you are in Christ, you are treasured by the Father. After all, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 

Romans 5:8

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.