Loving Unconditionally: Loving Beyond Flaws
Unconditional love is among the very powerful and transformative tool that is known to humankind. That is, loving someone, not for what to get from them nor because of some expectations that will be met, but because of who they are. They do not have to be flawless - no one is, nor do they need to be perfect, but you love them anyway. Unconditional love is the kind of love that you give without expecting anything in return. Not because they do not have shortcomings, but because it is part of your duties towards humanity. This is the kind of love that accepts people the way they are, value them, and make them feel part of a community that cares.
It is sad that in the present day world, a lot of relationships and friendships are based on conditions and on sheer benefits. Some may continue to love someone as long as there is something to gain from them or a certain condition they are meeting, expecting something in return, but when all these become non-existent, they will withdraw their love - this is not true love. Any love that will fade when certain standards and expectations are not met is not unconditional love. When I talk about unconditional love, I mean the one that continues to stand strong even if things become difficult.
In order to learn to love unconditionally, you have to first understand that humans are neither perfect nor without flaw, and that is also inclusive of you. Humans make mistakes, err at some points, have obvious weaknesses, and are even faced with challenges. When we begin to welcome ourselves irrespective of our imperfections, then it will be easier to extend grace to others. You will be surprised how many people are going though very challenging and tough times which you may not even have an idea of, but your act of love can mean the entire world to them. This is why you have to always look beyond what your natural senses see on the surface - look at people's values, their intentions, their hearts, and not their imperfections.
A very potent example of unconditional love is exhibited in parental love. A toddler will mess up their diapers, mess the whole house, yet the parents will still embrace them, love, support, and take care of them. Children may not always do what their parents like, but it does not stop them from loving them the way they are. Even When the parents correct them, it is not out of hatred but for them to be better. This teaches us that there is a place for love in the world. It also teaches us that we do not have to agree with someone's actions before we love them unconditionally. Of course, loving someone does not mean that you approve of their behaviours, but it means that you are always present to extend a hand of forgiveness, support, and compassion to them.
In your daily life - in your relationship with people, in your work place, in marriage, in friendship, and even in your interactions with strangers, unconditional love is still necessary. If we have love in our hearts, there are many things that we will not be found doing. The world will become a better place if love will be found in the heart of people. I have also come to realise that love actually builds stronger bonds between people. It also encourages one to grow and strive towards becoming better. When you know that you are truly loved, you will try to become a better person. This also happens when others know that they are loved.
Everyone wants love to be shown to them, but the point is; do you also show unconditional love to others? You cannot be hoping to get what you know that you cannot give. When you give your own love and others do the same, the world will be full of love and it will become a better place. You also need to understand that love is not just an expression of the mouth, but it is what you do, your actions, your lifestyle, and your character towards others. As a way to conclude, I will drop the words of my grandparents from many years ago, they used to say "love solves the major part of the world's problem." When you have sincere love for others, you will coexist peacefully with them.
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