Where does the phrase "unconditional love" come from?

Question

Don't say 'the Bible'; it's not in there.

Nobody has actually answered my question yet.

Answer 1

You will mainly come across this term in spiritual books, when they talk about the nature of "God" or the "All that is", or whatever term you feel comfortable with.

One good example is "Conversations With God" by Neale Donald Walsh (superb superb book, btw), where "God" described some of the characteristics of God, one of which is "unconditional love". This is also the only TRUE form of love - ie., God loves you unconditionally, no matter what you do, because ultimately, all of us are part of God.

Obviously, this is inconsistent with many religions (not naming names), because they basically say that if you don't believe, you will not get to heaven, will be punished, etc. etc, so it's tantamount to God saying, "yes, I love you, and I want you to get to heaven and not send you to hell, but only if you believe in me and do good things, etc. etc". IMHO, it makes a mockery of the idea of unconditional love. Furthermore, it also makes a mockery out of the concept of "free will", because this type of supposed "free will" also comes with conditions attached: "yes, you are free to do whatever you want, but if you don't do the good things or do bad things, I will have to punish you, sorry, but still, you can do whatever you please, cos you have free will."

Ultimately, unconditional love is very difficult for mere mortals like us to practise, because it is virtually impossible for us not to have expectations on other people, and when you have expectations, you get upset at them if/when those expectations are not met, and even stop loving them. Typical example being a husband/wife relationship. Even though they say they love each other etc., it is very rare that it is unconditional, because you would have to be able to say you still love them even if they do all sorts of horrible things to you, like cheat on you, etc. etc. How many people can say that?

The closest form of unconditional love (ie, true love) that can be found amongst humans today is the relationship between mother and child, especially when the child is still a baby. It is much more common to find examples of the mother still loving the child unconditionally no matter what 'sins' the child has committed.

Anyway, these issues are part of much larger universal questions, like who are we, what is God, why are we here, etc. etc. and the question of unconditional love would make more sense when those other questions are considered too. I could give you my opinion on those questions, but it would probably take me a week. :)

Answer 2

You are absolutely correct. There's no such statement as "unconditional love" in the Bible. But there are FOUR Greek words for 'love' and the Bible clearly shows what the highest form of love is. Jesus said, "My command is this: Love [Gk. agape] each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no-one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." Which is what he went on to do himself. No conditions attached.

Agape and agapao are used in the New Testament to describe the attitude of God toward His Son, the human race, generally, and believers of Christ, particularly. It is the essential nature of God. His love for us is not drawn out by any excellency in us. Christian love has God for its primary object. Self-will (self-pleasing) is the negation of love to God. It is not an impulse from the feelings, not always even running with natural inclinations, nor does it concern itself only with those of similar inclination; it seeks the welfare of all and works no ill to any. No conditions attached.

God first loved us, and - drawn by that amazing love - some respond by loving God and their fellow men. Jesus said, "As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." No conditions attached.

Answer 3

I suppose that if you practice the golden rule and love even your enemies per the NT you'd have unconditional love. It's a religious ideal. In the real world human love is always conditional.

Answer 4

I can not find the phrase excally as you have written it here, but look at this verse..dose that not tell you that God loved us unconditionally.
(Romans 5:8)
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us..

The gift of God's son as a provision for sin was given to all humans, regardless of who we are. God's love is unconditional.7

In contrast, our love is usually conditional and based upon how other people behave toward us. This kind of love is based upon familiarity and direct interaction. The Greek word "phileo" defines this kind of love, often translated "brotherly love." Phileo is a soulish (connected through our emotions) kind of love - something that can be experienced by both believers and non-believers. This is in contrast to agape, which is love extended through the spirit. Agape love requires a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, since the non-regenerated soul is unable to love unconditionally.

Answer 5

I'm not sure that it comes from any book. I do know that it means to love someone without judgment. Kind of like when you have a child, if they came to you and told you something you didn't want to hear but, you are there for them anyway and love them without reservations.

Answer 6

Yes, it means love that has no mental reservation , a love that accepts a person regardless of his good and bad nature. It is a principle of jurisprudence especially in civil law and contracts.

Answer 7

in the englsih translated bible its "Love"
in the greek original languages they use two words for love
agape, philio
agape is the love when u give and give and give without even thinging of returns. i love u because i love u, not because u r good, or ur cleaver or ur hansem.

philio is the love because of.

all agape and philio words translated in english to love.

Answer 8

save the fish

Answer 9

Like god, their imagination. There is no such thing.