love, acceptance, forgiveness

The more I read about Jesus' dealings with people the more certain attributes just reach out and grab me. Probably the most oblivious one is his love, but it does not portray a logical pattern. It includes groups diametrically opposed to each other. His love extends from the poor and downtrodden to the rich and self-proclaimed righteous - people who if not totally responsible for other's poverty, certainly don't care enough about those in that situation to try and help them. He also loved those inbetween these two extremes. Another unique feature of this love was its unconditionality. It apparently didn't matter what you had done or would do, you are still loved. To Jesus, love did not equate with approval of actions, because forgiveness/healing and admonishment to quit sinning went hand in hand when necessary.

Unconditional love for people naturally led to his acceptance of them. Unbridled acceptance is another impressive characteristic of Jesus. At one meal he would be feasting with a Pharisee and the next enjoying the company of lairs, cheats (also know as tax collectors), and prostitutes and even on occasion with a leper. This kind of love leads to acceptance, which leads to forgiveness, which leads to a willingness to listen which can bring about repentance.

It is encouraging to read about Jesus forgiving people because of their faith and yet confusing when he forgives them apparently just because he loves them. Our logic says, people should only be forgiven when they have expressed some remorse and asked for forgiveness. Yet Jesus shed his blood on the cross for our forgiveness, amidst the cries of crucify him, crucify him.

What can a disciple of Jesus, someone who is truly desirous of following Jesus do, but to love unconditionally, accept without restriction and be forgiving of whatever comes along?