Editorial March 11, 1991 Issue

Unconditional love

Michael D. Rissler

How do we describe the nature of love that continues to remain loving no matter what human conditions are? Perhaps the love that a husband or wife will give to the other in accord with the traditional vows". . . for better or worse. . ." hints at such affection. Or, the love that a parent gives to a child regardless of difficulties that arise is like such unfailing love.

Such affection is not limited, of course, to only those who are married, or who have children. Christ Jesus' love for others was constant. It wasn't an affection that Jesus held only for his followers and parceled out to some but withheld from others. Even in the darkness of humiliation, rejection, and suffering, Jesus' love permeated his life. "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do" was his response.

Maybe it was the nearly unfathomable love that Jesus expressed that aroused some people's belief that he could not simply be a man but that he was God mysteriously incarnated into the world. This doctrine of God incarnate in the human Jesus has been a point of controversy for centuries. Whether it's discussed or not, the question of the nature of the Messiah underlies every other Christian affirmation.

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