Does Unconditional Love Exist?
This is a topic close to my heart. Most of my life, I’ve been told that God is unconditionally loving. And yet, I’ve always found this hard to believe—especially given the many atrocious things that happen in this world and the terrible acts that people commit.
But isn’t it true that if we can imagine something, it must exist somewhere—whether in this dimension or another?
And if we can’t measure our own capacity for love against that of an all-encompassing entity like God, how can we truly comprehend their heart?
I believe God must have a heart. Why do I think this? Perhaps it’s because of the beauty I see in the leaves, or the innocent joy in the animals around me. Though the world cycles through decay and renewal, there is a comforting rhythm in that endless motion.
My heart has wrestled with the concept of an unconditionally loving God ever since I was a little girl. Observing the limitations of love in even the most wonderful parents, I found it hard to grasp how an all-loving God could exist.
Perhaps God is detached? Yet the teachings I was raised with suggest otherwise—that God’s heart is not detached, but aches deeply over the state of the world.
Because humans have the ability to choose right from wrong, an all-seeing God cannot force us to change. Change must come through our own will—the will to be good.
But the first step is to believe that unconditional love exists.
Then, we must believe that humans are capable of it.
Finally, we ourselves must reach for it and practice it.
That is the leap of faith.
Now, if there is a God—which I believe there must be—it’s comforting to think that this God is good and wants the best for me.
I have something of a gnostic view of the universe. I believe there is a one true God who created all things, physical and metaphysical. But there are also god-like entities that mimic the Creator, attempting to wield divine power.
Why would a God be jealous or strike down those who do not follow Him? Jesus never did that. He embraced the adulterer and the tax collector alike.
Who knows—I may change my mind about God in the future. Some even suggest that God grows and matures as a human would. Though this clashes with the idea of divine perfection, I’m open to either possibility.
Returning to the topic: my stance on unconditional love is that it must exist. I believe some rare humans in history may have achieved it. Whether I will meet such a person—or become one myself—is uncertain.
What I do know is that I will strive to practice unconditional love in my own life.
Thank you for reading my reflections on unconditional love. I’d love to hear your thoughts if you’re open to sharing.
