The Mystery of God’s Unconditional Love

By Fr. Christopher Foeckler, MJ • Phoenix, AZ

St. John assures us in his first letter that “In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that He loved us and has sent His Son as expiation for our sins.” (cf. 1Jn 4:10) And most clearly in verse 19, “We love because He has loved us first.” This is theologically the basis of what is called the “unconditional love of God”. In good times or bad times, God’s love and grace is always offered to us, compelling us toward Him and towards those He has entrusted to our care and concern. As St. John Henry Newman wrote, “I come to You, O Lord, not only because I am unhappy without You, not only because I feel I need You, but because Your grace draws me on to seek You for Your own sake, because You are so glorious and beautiful!” 

We are often compelled to seek the Lord, His help and His love, when we are in desperate straits and we find ourselves helpless and overwhelmed by our circumstances. It is then that the assurances of the Lord’s unconditional love can make more sense to us and actually become very real, even tangible, and not merely theological or idealistic. Yet, it is in difficulties that we can most readily begin to question the love and care of God, tempted to feel chastised or rejected by Him in those moments, questioning not only His care but, in extreme moments, even His very existence. 

That God can and does “work all things for the good of those who love Him” is a matter of Faith in God and in His Goodness and love towards us. When Jairus was told not to bother the Master anymore because his daughter had died, Jesus responded saying, “Fear is useless! What is needed is Faith!” (cf. Mk 5:36) It is then that Faith can lead to Love of God and trusting Him in all circumstances makes us open and more receptive to His care, His protection, His taking care of everything. 

When things go well and we feel blessed by God, it is then all the more that we should be careful to thank the Lord, recognizing His gift and blessing, and live in His love not forgetting who has loved us first and worked all things for our good. 

Blessed be the Lord, now and always!