Unconditional Love

I was raised in the Assembly of God church, accepting salvation at the age of four. Church and faith were integral parts of my upbringing, with my mother being a strong spiritual example, always asking about my relationship with God. At ten, I experienced the unexpected loss of my father during the Christmas season, a significant and painful event that shaped my early years as I was a Daddy’s girl. Growing up, I struggled with the idea of living a perfect Christian life, fearing I could lose my salvation. This led to feelings of inadequacy and frustration as I tried to be the Christian I thought God wanted me to be.

At twenty-one, I met a military man, and eleven months later, we wed. Through my husband, I learned about God's grace and the assurance of salvation, realizing that God's love is unconditional and not based on my perfection. We had our first daughter, and she brought us immense joy for eight years. However, I faced a seven-year struggle with infertility. On Christmas Eve, I found out I was pregnant, but tragically, I miscarried on my husband's birthday. The loss was devastating, and I questioned God, feeling I had already endured enough suffering with my father's death. Despite my reluctance to try for another baby, I became pregnant again. Although the doctor deemed it a non-viable pregnancy, insisting on a D&C, I demanded to see for myself. Miraculously, there was a heartbeat, and the fetus had reattached lower in my womb. It was a total miracle. My son was born perfect. We experienced another loss before our youngest daughter was born four years later.

Life with three children, each at different stages, was fulfilling. Our oldest daughter married after college and started a family, making me a grandmother. My son graduated from nursing school as the youngest in his class and valedictorian, and our youngest daughter was thriving in high school. However, life’s stability was disrupted when my son revealed his same-sex attraction, which deeply challenged my beliefs and faith. For months, I felt broken inside, praying and seeking peace. Psalm 34:18 says, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed." God spoke to me, urging me to love my son unconditionally and trust Him to pursue my son as He had pursued me. This revelation brought me peace, and I began to truly understand God's unconditional love. Psalm 139:7-10 became a source of comfort: "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast."

Sharing my son's truth with friends and family, I was met with unconditional love and support, which brought healing to my heart. I witnessed the real love of Christ in action, deepening my understanding of God’s grace. Despite making many mistakes, I found forgiveness freely given. God's unwavering presence has made me whole. Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Although I continue to await a miracle, I have surrendered it to God, trusting Him to guide me through life's rocky moments. My journey is a testament to the transformative power of faith, grace, and unconditional love, and the strength found in trusting God’s plan through life’s trials and triumphs

- Tonya Bethune

Let's talk about it: How have you experienced God's unconditional love in your life? Let's talk about it in the comments below!

About Tonya:

Tonya Bethune is a mother of three and grandmother of three, with another grandchild on the way. With over 30 years in church ministry, she leads worship and is the Worship Director at Southside Church, where she loves training vocalists and teaching the meaning of worship through singing. Now an empty-nester, Tonya enjoys traveling and spending time with her family. Married to her best friend since 1991, she and her husband love hiking and being outdoors together.

Reminder of Truth: Tonya's story is a beautiful reminder of God's sovereignty over all of life's situations. I love what she wrote at the end on her testimony, "Although I continue to await a miracle, I have surrendered it to God, trusting Him to guide me through life's rocky moments."Our surrender welcomes God's peace into our life. If you need a small reminder that you can surrender all things to God, our Surrender bracelet would be perfect for you! Check it out here!