Unconditional love is the love that can do much and demands nothing in return. Human nature, in our present imperfect condition, has trouble loving others when that love is not returned.
Yet this love characterizes the very nature of God. The Bible clearly states that God’s love is unconditional. John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.” 1 John 4:8, “The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” James 1:17, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”
One of the best examples we have is God’s unconditional love of Israel. 1 Kings 10:9, “… the Lord loves Israel forever,…” Israel is the ‘apple of God’s eye’ (Deuteronomy 32:10, Zechariah 2:8). Sadly, Israel was not faithful to the Law Covenant they made with God. The passage of history has shown the consequences to both the people and the land. God’s love required Israel to lose special national favor for a time. (Matthew 23:37-38) This period of disfavor was a discipline to develop Israel into the future blesser nation for the whole world. (Genesis 28:14) Israel has been nationally reborn in preparation to bless all. (See Romans 11:25-27.)
Additionally, God’s unconditional love will create his own intimate divine family, the Bride of Christ. The saints are those who devote their lives to developing unconditional love through obedience to every aspect of God’s will. Romans 2:7,“to those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life.”
God’s unconditional love will result in perfection and life to the entire race of humankind. Romans 11:32-36, “For God has shut up all in disobedience, so that He may show mercy to all.” 1 Timothy 2:4-6 (NKJV), 4 “who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all,…” Acts 3:21 (NKJV), “whom (Jesus Christ) heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things…”
However, the Bible does not promise universal salvation. During Christ’s 1,000 year reign, not all will learn to love righteousness. God’s unconditional love will mercifully judge the unrepentant to second death, nonexistence anywhere. (Ezekiel 18:20) Sin always brings suffering and pain. Were a being who does not love God be permitted to live eternally, that one would only bring grief to himself and to others.
Eternal life is a gift from God. (Romans 6:23) Every person who receives life everlasting will have received loving disciplines to be perfected in heart and character. Hebrews 12:6-8 (ESV), 6 “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”