Unconditional Love

Most of us would probably agree John 3:16 provides the ultimate example of unconditional love. And, while we all should strive to love others unconditionally, we're imperfect people living in an imperfect world, and we often fall short of giving the type of love we'd all like to receive.

One of our side trips in Ukraine included a visit to an orphanage in Artemivsk (pronounced Artoomus). The children in this orphanage were no more than four years of age. Toddlers who were able to walk, and had no obvious disabilities, were kept in one area. Younger children and babies, most with some type of physical or mental disability, were kept in another area. Sadly, the majority of orphans in Ukraine were abandoned by their parents.

I don't know much at all about the small boy I'm holding. It was clear he was challenged both physically and mentally. What I do know about this child, as well as all the other children, is that he wanted most of all to be held and loved regardless of his condition. When I put him back in the group playpen, he crawled quickly to the side of the playpen, and tried his hardest to reach out to touch me. I stood and rubbed his head until it was time to leave. Heart-breaking.

I'm thankful for God's unconditional love; the type of love that sees past my imperfections, and provides me with hope, peace, and grace. The type of love that never turns its back on me. The type of love that will never give up on me. The type of love only God could provide through His Son.

God is already there!

A phone conversation with my wife, Carolyn, while in Ukraine, inspired these thoughts regarding God's presence in Ukraine. I shared my thoughts with the Dzerzhinsk church the Sunday we left to return home.

Sometimes missionaries describe their work by saying, "We are taking God to this particular country, or this certain group of people." And this may be true to a certain extent. But since the first day I arrived in Ukraine, it was evident to me that God was already there -- in the hearts and lives of the people of Dzerzhinsk!

I was shown God's kindness through the hospitality of my host, Nadya -- the warm shower she provided, the chai and snacks she prepared for us every night, and the comfortable bed I had to sleep in.

I also saw God's love and joy on the faces of the children we worked with in the camp at Public School #10. I had so much fun getting to know those precious kids!

I witnessed God's patience through the diligent work of our translators. They were absolutely wonderful!

And I saw God's glory and beauty in the magnificent flowers and gardens throughout the community.

Lastly, I experienced God's love and kindness first-hand through my church family in Dzerzhinsk. They are truly a selfless group of people, and welcomed the Americans with open arms.

The apostle Paul reminds us of God's unfailing presence in Acts 17:24-27, and again in Romans 1:20.

Thank you, Ukraine, for sharing God with me!