His Love is Unconditional

Ephesians 2:8-9

God’s love toward us in unconditional. He doesn’t say, “If you do this, then I will love you.” His love is proven to us by what He’s done for us. Our God is a gracious, merciful and loving God.

Grace is receiving what you don’t deserve. Mercy is not receiving what you do deserve. You see, if I choose to break the law by speeding and I get pulled over, I deserve a ticket. I will have to pay a fine as a consequence for my actions. But if the police officer  doesn’t give me one, it’s because he’s choosing to show me mercy. I’m not receiving the punishment I deserve.

You and I have sinned and we deserve to be punished. The punishment we will face is hell – eternal separation from God. But His mercy allows us a way out of that punishment and His grace offers us eternity in Heaven. We’ve done nothing to deserve this! This incredible gift of grace not only promises us Heaven in the future, but also offers us life with Jesus right now!

When we discover our God is a merciful God, we begin to grasp His great love for us. His mercy becomes the lens through which we look at things, empowering us to show the same mercy toward others.

Who might be living under the misconception that God’s love is conditional? Who can you show mercy to today?

– Chris Lane, Miami Marlins Team Chaplain

If you would like to submit a reader devotional, please email all submissions to jason@sportsspectrum.com