People are tired of being told what is true or right, whether it is by politicians or Christians. In our post-modern world, people are looking for authenticity, for a genuine expression of reality.

How did God show his love to our world?

1. John 3:16 shows clearly God’s preferred method of reaching the world, which is sacrificial love. He sent his son, his only son to demonstrate his love, knowing that many would never choose to receive that love, but he demonstrated it anyway.
2. 2 Cor 5:16 Jesus demonstrated his love by dying for us. His sacrifice on the cross, the ultimate demonstration of unconditional love. And yet, Jesus has a message; He had the spiritual welfare of the whole human race at heart. Paul describes that message in this verse. That we no longer live for ourselves, which is the root of the selfishness and pain we see in our world, but that we would live for Jesus and walk in the Jesus way.

Principles of unconditional love. How do we love unconditionally? 2 Cor 5:14 says we are to be controlled by love and the principles that lie behind this are as follows: one has died for all.

a) So firstly, we see the example of Jesus, he has led the way and shown us what love is all about. The nature of love is that it is sacrificial and unconditional. Jesus has given himself wholeheartedly for everybody, whether we respond to his love or not.

b) Secondly, because he has died for all, this tells us the value of every human being, whether black or white, rich or poor—we all have the same value and that equals the death of Christ. The Cross of Jesus re-values every human life, and if we are going to love people, then we need to have a glimpse of their real eternal value, to understand that they are not what they seem to be, they are special because God made them.

c) Thirdly, in verse 16, “no longer look at people from a human point of view”. If we are to be controlled by love then we must look not on the outside, but on the inside. It does not matter how off-putting people might be, we need to get glimpse of the treasure that lies within. We need to ask God to give us eyes that look beyond the surface.

d) Lastly, this type of love is always sacrificial in nature. And therefore a choice is involved. The love that Christ wants us to have in our heart, is not based on our feelings, but it is based deep within our hearts, our values, belief systems and choices. Therefore we choose and Christian love begins when our feelings run out. It is this type of love that our world is looking for - unconditional love. Leonard Sweet, a post-modern writer, has said, “What is the message of the gospel in a post-modern world? It is unconditional love”.

So, www.loveyourstreet is a challenge and a question to you. Would you consider being a street pastor and to make a commitment for two years to unconditionally love the people on your street and to have their spiritual welfare at heart?