Romans 8:38-39 (NLT) 38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Today, on the fourth day of our prayer and fasting, we want to focus on God’s unconditional gift of love. In a world where love often comes with conditions and, at times, with expectations, the concept of unconditional love can seem strange. Yet, as believers, we are embraced by a love that goes beyond all human understanding: the unconditional love of God. Today, let us open our hearts to God’s unwavering love for each of us.

At times, our earthly experiences colour our perception of love. We encounter love that is dependent on our actions, love that fades with time, and love that fails in the face of trials. Such experiences can lead us to doubt the nature of God's love, questioning this amazing truth. However, God's love is completely different to human love. It is unwavering, eternal, and unconditional.

To really understand how big God's love is, we need to remember that it's bigger than anything humans can fully understand. It doesn't change or depend on whether we do well or make mistakes. God's love comes from who He is, not because we earn it. The Bible, in 1 John 4:8, says, "God is love." This isn't just a saying; it's true in a real way because of Jesus Christ. Jesus showed us how much God loves us by living, dying, and coming back to life for us. His actions prove that God's love is huge. He took on all our sins and beat death so we could have life forever.

As we think about God's love, let it change us deeply. May it give us the power to love others with the same kindness and forgiveness we have been given. Let God's love be the foundation of our belief, shaping how we see the world and our connections with others.

A PRAYER OF GRATITUDE:

Heavenly Father, I'm grateful for Your unwavering love. Despite often doubting this fact from the Bible, nothing can take me away from Your love. I struggle to fully grasp Your boundless love, as it's unlike anything else in my life. People may disappoint or fail me, but You, Jesus, offer perfect and unconditional love unlike anyone else. I sometimes mistakenly view You through the lens of my earthly relationships.

Yet, Your love stands apart. In Your love, I can place complete trust, knowing You are always there for me, loving me without conditions. Help me understand how much You love me. I need to let that powerful truth sink into my very being. Thank You, Lord, for Your love towards me. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

CLOSING THOUGHT:

As we conclude, let us remember that God's love is an ongoing process. The more we read His Word and spend time with Him, the more we learn how deep His love is and how much it changes us. On this journey, we should remember that learning about God's love never stops. Each day, we get new chances to feel and think about how great His love is. We should keep our hearts open and ready for these wonderful things from God, and let His love lead us in everything we do.

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURES FOR REFLECTION:

Psalm 136:26 (NLT) 26 Give thanks to the God of heaven. His faithful love endures forever.

Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT) 17 For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty saviour. 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.

John 15:13 (NLT) 13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

Let these Bible verses guide us in recognising the unconditional love of God in our lives.