Without Condition

Isaac loved Esau because he enjoyed eating the wild game Esau brought home, but Rebekah loved Jacob. [Genesis 25.28]

There is an interesting wording of this verse in this New Living Translation of the Bible!

Isaac loved Esau because... but Rebekah loved Jacob.

See the difference?

The New King James Version translates it similarly:

And Isaac loved Esau because he ate of his game, but Rebekah loved Jacob. [Genesis 25.28 NKJV]

I cannot help but wonder what, if any, effect the difference in the father's love for one versus the mother's love for the other had on the outcomes of the respective boys' lives.

One thing I have come to know in my life; loving someone "because" is usually a recipe for disaster.

In contrast, loving someone (without condition) is always the best.

I am so thankful that God just loved the world. Not because we were good, or obedient, or kind, but just because God loved us did He sent Jesus to die on our behalf that we might be saved (John 3.16).

When we put ourselves in the position of Jacob - understanding that God loves us without condition -  we are much more likely to fulfil His promise in and through our lives.

Conversely, if we put ourselves in the position of Esau - understanding that we are loved because of something or another - then, that condition of being loved is subject to some lesser condition. That cheapens the whole thing. If God only loves us because we deserve it (because of something we do), then that love depends on us and not God. I, for one, don't trust myself enough to think that is a good deal.

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. [John 3.16]

Oh how precious John 3.16 is today.

Father, thank You for loving me without condition!