In an achievement-oriented culture like the one we live in, there is a tendency to equate the worth or significance of people with their ability to perform certain tasks. Even Christians tend to determine one’s worth on the basis of accomplishment rather than on the basis of who he is in Christ. As we mature in our faith, the Holy Spirit is constantly at work within us helping us realize that our worth is determined not by what we can do, but by who we are in Christ. Paul explained this wonderful truth beautifully in his letter to the Ephesian believers: “Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus…Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household” (Ephesians 2:4-6…19, NIV). Unconditional love is “great love.” God loved us—He placed supreme value upon us—“Even when we were dead in transgressions.” It’s evident that God’s love is not conditional—dependent upon our ability to perform, our ability to be good! He loved us when there was nothing good about us at all. The same wonderful truth is echoed in Paul’s letter to the Romans. He wrote, “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, NIV). God’s love is not dependent upon our performance…our behavior. Perhaps the most profound statement ever spoken that explains God’s unconditional love was uttered by Jesus when He said, “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, NIV). Without any predetermined conditions, Jesus said, “God…loved the world!”