Do you have Unconditional Love for Family & Friends

When our four children were very young and developing into people rather than babies, my love for them was unconditional. As they became adults and established their own path in life I still love them deeply, but it is less unconditional. I don't always agree with their decisions or opionions, but I love them just the same. In this world where the family unit has a become something that I struggle to understand, I'm pleased that we hold fast to our family bonds. I can never have x-children nor can they have an x-father. We are one and will always be. What I am most pleased with is that we never leave each other's presence without saying 'I love you' and sharing a hug.
 

Lara said:
A more difficult question is...Do you love yourself unconditionally?
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Ever since I heard the phrase, "God does not make junk", I have come to terms with my flaws. I don't beat myself up anymore. I am what I am, and I receive love every day from friends, from my family and even from strangers.

I have found that love begets love in both directions.
 
Since you brought up God, I recently have come to the realization that if I am going to believe that God loves me unconditionally, then for me to not believe that would mean my faith is not faith at all. And if I have no faith then what's the use for Him to forgive me of my wrongs? I need to accept that He loves me unconditionally, accept and love myself while not repeating the same wrongs.
 
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Warrigal said:
Love is more than a feeling - it is also a decision and action. Therefore, if we so choose, we are all capable of unconditional love.
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unconditional means you do not decide. It means that you just give........................regardless. Love is not, in any way intellectual. It is emotion. Pure and simple. Do we love a person and hate them at the same time?
Do we give to those who do not understand, maybe never will. Do we give anyway? Unconditionally...............yes.
No payback just give. Think about it.
 
I have unconditional love for my three grown children. I have three ex-husbands and I loved all of them very much when I married them. Unfortunately over the years my love died due to the way I was treated.

My first husband died at age 37 and I didn’t find out until I was 58. We were only married three years from 18–21. I felt bad when I found out that he was dead.

My second husband died three weeks ago. When our three sons found out, he was ill we all flew to the state he was in to be with him. As his wife had dementia, he didn’t have anyone, but the four of us and it was a very sad but loving experience.

We were married for 22 years and have been divorced For 27 and I am shocked how much I am grieving his loss. We divorced because he was too controlling and had a bad temper. After the kids grew up I decided that it was untenable to remain married.

My third husband is still alive and I divorced him five years ago after being together for 23 years. I was furious when I divorced him as he had been a serial cheater and liar and I was sick of it. However, I have forgiven him as I see him at family events, where my stepson is at, and I just accept him for who he is. It’s really funny and interesting all at the same time how life turns out.
 
I suppose I have unconditional love for my family. My BIL and his roommate in Miami are polar opposites in their political beliefs but they are great people and I love them anyway, so we never discuss politics. We mostly reminisce about how crazy we were in Miami in the 80's, play trivia games and watch TV when we get together.

Same with my cousin who is a Southern Baptist minister. We have different beliefs but I used to spend summers with him and my aunt so I can't just minimize our childhood. We have kept in touch.

My (living) aunt is deeply religious and lives about 50 miles away. My other cousin came to town and invited me and hubby to join them for lunch. I wasn't sure what to expect, but she was delightful and invited us to come visit her any time. Again, I grew up with her and I can't minimize that.

I'm not going to get hung up over opposite beliefs, be they religious or political. These people have been a part of my life for a long time so the love is still there.
 
TeePee said:
I'd like to think I do have unconditional love but I don't think I do. If someone does me dirty, I can forgive and but not forget. It's something I have to work hard on.
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I think not forgetting sometimes is necessary and useful. I don't feel that unconditional love means that we consistently put ourselves in danger or jeopardy. I don't feel that it means for us to be foolish. Not forgetting doesn't have to be done in malice. It can be done in wisdom. So, don't let anyone bully you into thinking that you can only love unconditionally if you forget every offense.
 
Rider77 said:
When our four children were very young and developing into people rather than babies, my love for them was unconditional. As they became adults and established their own path in life I still love them deeply, but it is less unconditional. I don't always agree with their decisions or opionions, but I love them just the same. In this world where the family unit has a become something that I struggle to understand, I'm pleased that we hold fast to our family bonds. I can never have x-children nor can they have an x-father. We are one and will always be. What I am most pleased with is that we never leave each other's presence without saying 'I love you' and sharing a hug.
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that is what I am trying to convey, thank you
 
Unconditional love does not mean you forget or dismiss a loved one's actions. There are consequences and a slap upside the head may be appropriate. But you still love them. You care for them. You worry about them. Knowing full well that they are headed in the wrong direction and they are headed for trouble. Your love may be reduced to nothing more than listening to them or taking time to listen. Providing a meal, etc. It does not mean you overlook their actions. It means you love them despite their actions. Just what God does with us, his creation. They still have to face the consequence of what they do. No defense for that. Your heart may cry for them but all you can do is love them.
 
Lara said:
Since you brought up God, I recently have come to the realization that if I am going to believe that God loves me unconditionally, then for me to not believe that would mean my faith is not faith at all. And if I have no faith then what's the use for Him to forgive me of my wrongs? I need to accept that He loves me unconditionally, accept and love myself while not repeating the same wrongs.
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he does love you.....and you are right. I suggest that you take this further. Belief in a mythical God can only hold you so far. Belief in a God who responds to you is another thing. Pray to him and be patient. He will respond. Then you will know. Then you will know.
 
Thank you rbtvgo for your advice but I see where I totally confused you :giggle: God is real to me, answers my prayers in His perfect timing and according to His will, when it's best for me and IF it's best. But my text was focused on including all of us, believers and non-believers that God loves us unconditionally.
 
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