Rolling in the dust!

In my journey with God, I frequently find myself thinking of how much we, as saints quickly wander away and then spend much of our time, just lying in the dust and waiting for God to discipline us back to Him. Surely God has given us a new heart and a new spirit, Why is it that we so quickly defile ourselves and then just moan and complain? Are we not able to discern our weaknesses with the help of God and pull ourselves up? Are we so blinded that we do not know the way back to God? Why is it that we do not have the heart of the psalmist who is crying out for discernment (Psalm 19:12). I believe one of the most dreaded moments when we see Him face to face is to realize how much time was wasted wallowing in self pity and slumber. O that we might have a heart to run to Him for refuge. A heart to get up when we are down instead of waiting for someone to pull us up.

Is God's love unconditional?

The word 'unconditional love' is a very apt way of describing the love of God. However, 'unconditional' has to be carefully unwrapped because the love of God also has certain conditions attached, somewhere along the way. In John 3:16, we find out that God loves the world enough to offer His Son to die for us but we have to believe, so that we can taste of what that love is offering us. In other words, there is a sphere of love we have to move into or else we remain in the wrath of God. Unconditional love of God does not mean that it is always one way or that it remains for ever like that! There has to be a response to that love sooner or later. It is based on that response that we continue to taste of that love. The way that response is initiated, is vital in understanding this 'unconditional love'.
The reason we call it unconditional is that in every step, our rebellion is not a deterrent to the love of God. For example, there is a lack of condition in the electing love of God. He chose us while we were still dead in our sins and trespasses. Now that we have tasted of that love, we need to obey His commands so that we could further partake of that love (John 14:23). What we begin to understand is that it is 'unconditional' with regards to its initiation but it is 'conditional' with regards to its continuation. The cycle of love can be completed only if it involves the will of both involved. Love can be fulfilled even if it is one way but it can be perfected only if it is two way!