Unconditional

"If you don't forgive your brother from the heart," Matthew 18:35.
God's unconditional love. We need to talk about that, mainly, because it's mostly a true phrase. Scripture clearly states that every transgression and all the world's sin finds forgiveness in the cross of Christ. God's generosity, Jesus' own love, the Spirit's gift - these assure forgiveness to believers. Exception to this incredible grace pivots on our forgiveness of the brother. The rule of love: Forgiveness freely received must be freely given. Forgive because you have been forgiven. Don't extend mercy, then judgment comes merciless. Don't forgive from the heart, God takes away forgiveness already granted. The cross does not come cheap to the kingdom of God: the love of Christ rules unconditionally.
As we reflect on God's unfathomable love, we renew our own forgiveness of others. Take time today to remind a brother or a sister of God's forgiving love.