Unconditional Love

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Unconditional love. Agape in the Greek (uh-gah-Pay) is what Paul is using. Chesed (heh-sed - Hard H) for "steadfast love" in Hebrew, as found in Psalm 136:  "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!"

Steadfast love, Chesed, is a "deep, persistent, loyal, and merciful love, often described as a covenant faithfulness that doesn't fail. It's a constant, fixed love, independent of human performance."

God's covenant, unconditional love, is constant. From the covenant made with Abraham, through the stump of Jesse (David), to Christ, God's unwavering love for man was to be expressed through a messiah who would save man.

We are beneficiaries of this love, not as a result of works, so that no one may boast, but through faith. It is a gift from God.

Even at Christmas, no gift can compare. 

Pray with me: Gracious Father, Your love for us is found daily in the gift of life. Our lives were intimately woven by you in advance. Your grace abounds in your mercy for us found in your Son, Jesus. Hope, joy, peace and love are found through you, the greatest of which is love. We lift praises for your love. Amen.