Unconditional

Louise Harris

One of the joys of no longer working is being able to help my daughter with dog care. She has a wonderful 3-year old Labrador - my ‘grand-dog’!

Through spending quality time together we have developed a special bond and, as we have got to know each other more, she has taught me a lot about unconditional love.

She is always pleased to see me, and greets me with a wagging tail and proper hugs every time I arrive. I get the sort of welcome that the returning prodigal son got!

She is sensitive to how I’m feeling - when I was feeling low she simply lay alongside me, head on my shoulders, paw on my chest and looking deep into my eyes. That was so comforting.

Above all, she is so consistent in her enthusiasm for being with me, she never declines a cuddle or a walk and is pretty much always happy. I totally understand why dogs are regarded as “man’s best friend”.

Dogs don’t judge when you are at your worst, they just keep being loving and loyal. It’s so totally humbling and such a lesson on what love is all about.

Of course, the highest example is the unconditional love of God. He consistently loves us through all our ups and downs, our failures and triumphs, our times of doubt and disbelief as well as the spiritual highs.

There is nothing we can do, or not do, to change his unconditional love for us. Even when we don’t feel it or even want to spend much time with Him, He never changes and continues to love us.

It’s so different from our human imperfect love, which can vary throughout life. Our most loving relationships don’t last forever, sometimes they end due to the death of a loved one, or because their love for us simply changes. God’s love is steadfast to the very end.

So, as I walk my beloved ‘grand-dog’ I will thank God that his love far surpasses human love and is truly steadfast. We can totally rely on it for eternity.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness
(Lamentations 3: 22-23)

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels or demons, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
(Romans 8: 38-39)

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.
(Psalm 136: 1-2)