Unconditionally

What kind of people are you the most you around?

I'm talking about the kind of people that aren't scared away by your flaws or insecurities and aren't critical of them either.  The kind of people who don't think less of you if your house is a mess or if it is clean or if you shower or don't.  The kind of people who never have a hint of judgement in their eyes or literally make you feel stupid for breathing.  The kind of people that aren't waiting for you to screw up or say something in anger on accident (or on purpose!) and then hold it against you for a few years.  The kind of people who aren't scared away by your brokenness or your suffering. The kind of people that understand what you need when you are sad or happy.  The kind of people that you might even disappoint from time to time but, they find the strength to forgive you instantly and let it go.  The kind of people that understand that you are on a journey through life...doing the very best you can (most of the time) and they want to support you and build you up and would never tear you down.  The kind that challenge you but, always in the purest form of love.  The kind that counsel you but, always with the greatest standard of understanding and wisdom.

They get you.  They love you...unconditionally.  In their company you feel at ease at all times.  In their company you never have to be on guard.  You never have to hide or keep up appearances.  In their company you don't have to edit yourself or your life or painfully strive to meet their expectations.  You get to just be...you.

You could be homeless, an addict, filthy, uneducated or a criminal.  You could be a millionaire a scholar or a Preacher.  You could be someone extravagant or someone simple.  You could be an Al Cappone or you could be a Mother Theresa....you could be anyone in between. 

Is there anyone who could love all people...including you and I unconditionally without casting judgement.  Without throwing stones?  Without scrutinizing.  Without tearing down.  Is there anyone whose arms are always open no matter what you have done or how far you have fallen?  Is there anyone who cares immensely about every microscopic detail of your life both good, bad and ugly? 

Do you know anyone like that? 

I know people who come close.  Often if you are married, a spouse will become your closest confidant and someone you feel the most free to be real with.  It might be a parent, a sibling or a very dear, dear friend.  It might be a mentor. 

But, the reality is, even in the most treasured of relationships, we may find that we are still putting on airs, holding back, editing ourselves or hiding, a little...or a lot, at times.

It's not their fault.  It's not ours.  We are all just human after all.

   But, hiding can get very lonely.  It can be exhausting to be misunderstood and it can be painful to be judged. 

But, oh to be free. To be accepted and cherished just as you are.

To let it all hang out and still feel safe and secure.  To get anything and everything off of your chest and know that it has been received with the greatest compassion and love.  To have awful days or even years and never have to hide a thing...not a single tear or moment of anger.  To be completely raw and real 24/7.  To be loved when we are loveable and just the same when we are not.  To be forgiven always with no strings attached.  To be built up and encouraged every step of the way.  To be understood. To be accepted.

Deep down we crave it.
We long for it and we search for it in everyone and everything.

Come just as you are.
You will be loved unconditionally.
    

It is here that we meet Jesus.

It is here that we experience a love like no other and we find a friend who sticks by us closer than a brother.

What a friend we have in Jesus.

What a Friend we have in Jesus, 
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry 
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, 
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry 
everything to God in prayer. 

Have we trials and temptations? 
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; 
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful 
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; 
take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, 
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, 
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? 
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; 
you will find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised 
Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to 
Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there 
will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship 
will be our sweet portion there.
-Joseph Scriven 1875

  "O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me."Psalm 139:1-6