THE COST OF UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

In today's world, passions are stronger and more diverse than ever before. Unlike the past, where a few key issues dominated, we now face hundreds, ranging from human conditions to animal rights, scientific advancements to religious beliefs, and professional pursuits to political ideologies. Information spreads rapidly, with truths and falsehoods alike being absorbed and shared widely, triggering emotions, weaponizing words, and breaking hearts.

As Christians, we are called to emulate Christ, not in perfection, but in love. This is a significant calling, and for me, a costly one.

THE PRICE

Following Christ means studying His life, His reasoning, His choices, and His battles. I strive to understand His challenges, His motivations, and what He chose to fight for or abstain from. Above all, He loved unconditionally, valuing every human being as a creation of God deserving of respect, love, honor, and dignity.

Walking this path comes at a price for me, as it did for Him. Prioritizing His choices into my ministry can lead to judgment, especially from those who demand allegiance. I often face accusations like, "If you support X, you are against Y," or "If you don’t fight for Z, you hate people, God, Jesus, or everything that is good." Currently, the most inflammatory is the sentiment that one cannot be a true Christian if you are supporting/not supporting [insert political candidate]. As if Jesus ever aligned Himself with any political stance. He didn't. Ever.

The price of unconditional love is judgment from all sides and remaining neutral is more challenging than advocating for a cause. It requires silence, especially when speaking out might ostracize someone in need of personal or emotional support. It is a risk I refuse to take. 

THE REASON

Why not simply choose a side? I respect those who passionately support their beliefs. However, my life is dedicated to love without conditions or selectivity. Leaning in one direction or another could create a sense of insecurity for someone who needs respect, hope, and honor, perhaps for the first time in their life. My mission is to create a safe space for everyone.

I refuse to turn anyone away, except in cases of disrespect or abuse. Love does not equate to weakness; I maintain strong emotional, spiritual, and physical boundaries. I cannot guide others out of codependency, trauma, and abuse without embodying a healthy emotional, spiritual, and physical life.

In his sermon titled, “When God Says Let Go,” Pastor Steven Furtick said, “...God calls us all to do some things, and then He calls some of us to do certain things. In the theology of it, you have the universal calling of God [kindness, faith, patience, forgiveness, etc], and then the particular calling of God.” This is my particular calling of God. It does not mean that everyone is meant to be in this place. It does not mean that every Christian needs to stand in this gap. This does not mean everyone must follow this same path, but it defines where I stand.

Edith Levy is a Life Coach and Lay Counselor with over 20 years of trauma facilitation. Northward Journeys provides online courses and blogs that address childhood trauma, abuse, recovery, finding purpose, and leading a fulfilling life. Find us at: www.northwardjourneys.org