“Intense love does not measure, it just gives.” Mother Teresa.

Intense – fervant, passionate, enormous, exceptional.

Most of society observes Mother Teresa as one of the greatest living symbols of unconditional love. We as believers, though, have living proof that there is only one who emulates unconditional love… that is Jesus. Two thousand years ago, Jesus physically walked on earth and people felt His unimaginable agape love. We only experience this love now through the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Agape love, sacrificial love that voluntarily suffers inconvenience, discomfort, even death for the benefit of another, expecting nothing in return.

A recent article written by a pastor shared about a time when he was dating the woman he would someday marry. He came up with a creative way to express his love by hanging a poster with an enormous heart, expressing his love for her, knowing she would see the sign the next morning through her dorm window. He wrote,

Why did I do that? Because I was hopelessly in love with this girl? Yes, but there’s an even more important reason why I made that drive and nailed that sign up to the tree. You see, I loved Shelley, but I wanted her to know that I loved her without any shadow of a doubt. (Emphasis added – The Power of Perfect Love/L. Giglio)

But wait… what if you have never experienced that deep love where someone would do anything for you to show how much they loved you, whether expressed in a romantic relationship, from a family member, or a friend? Jesus told us what a loyal friend was, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13-15). Jesus laid down His life so that we could live for eternity. As we honored our veterans a few days ago, I remind us that veterans will give their lives for us so that we can have freedom.

No one can fully express unconditional love because it is not humanly possible. But for someone wanting you to know that they loved you “without a shadow of doubt?”

How can you fathom God’s perfect, unconditional love if you have no comprehension of love? What if the love you have received has cost you everything?

Was all the love you received conditional?

Has someone told you they loved you but their actions were the complete opposite?

Did you receive abusive love?

For decades, I could not apprehend the intimate and unconditional love of God. If I received “love” from a person, they based it on how I acted, the way I responded, because of what I did for them, or the frame of mind they were in. Any reaction on my part that differed from what they desired resulted in disgust, distance, ridicule, or abuse. It wasn’t until I began working with special needs children I recognized what desired unconditional love might feel like.

My love for special needs children is boundless. I have years of experience of rejection and belittlement. These children deserve no less than authentic acceptance. My greatest desire is that children who are differently abled, know without a doubt, that I cherish and love them genuinely.

I have seen my son, my little girl – who has been with Jesus since 2017, and countless special needs children, model near-perfect love. Unequivocal trust and love joyfully visible in their actions and responses.

Here is how to experience unconditional love …

• Pray – Go to a quiet place and ask Jesus to reveal to you His perfect, unconditional love. Then, open your eyes and your ears, and receive His love fully, as He sacrificially lavishes His love upon you. Be aware that the love probably will not come through a romantic interest, or a friend or family member extending a generous gift. No, Jesus knows you intimately. “O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away” (Psalm 139:1-2/NLT). Jesus will show His love to you in only a way you can perceive that it was only from Him.
• Search God’s Word – The Bible is abounding with God’s faithful promises and speaks boastfully about how much He loves you.

I have loved you with an everlasting love. (Jeremiah 31:3)

How precious is your unfailing love, O God! (Psalm 36:7)

For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. (Zephaniah 3:17)

Be grateful, have courage, love others as Christ has loved you.