I have a friend who is just learning about God’s reaching-out love for her, and yet in her I have seen more of The Father’s unconditional love than in anyone else I know.

Over the years, she has shared with me her broken heart and her broken relationship with her son. I’ve heard about how he has rejected her requests for time together, demanded expensive gifts, and spurned whatever she does offer. I’ve heard about the rude and hurtful things he says to her and the poor choices he’s making in life. And yet, I’ve never heard words of condemnation for him from her, only pain, leading me to have compassion for his own brokenness. I’ve encouraged her as she tries to figure out how to be there for him, showing him love in appropriate ways without letting him take advantage of her.

Walking with her through this has turned out to be an unexpected gift. It has given me a glimpse of the depth of the Father’s love for us – his rebellious, demanding children who often scorn him and his requests for relationship. What a difference it makes to see such love acted out over time, instead of just knowing about it and believing it theologically. I have a tiny bit more of understanding of God’s sacrificial character and broken heart.

It was a beautiful moment when I could explain to her how she had shown me more of God in that way, giving her hope and drawing her closer to her own heavenly Father.

But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.  Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.  Luke 6:35-36