Loving Unconditionally

I was told, recently, that being a friend means that you are supposed to support someone regardless of what they do.  The speaker defined this as "unconditional love."  I blatantly disagree.  In fact, this opinion of "unconditional love" is what makes me cringe.  Here's the skinny on this topic....

Unconditional love is not doing whatever someone wants.  Unconditional love is not always agreeing with them even when it's wrong.  Unconditional love is not supporting someone's decisions regardless of what they do.  Let me repeat that:  unconditional love is not supporting someone's decisions regardless of what they do.  Unconditional love means loving someone right where they're at.  It means loving them in spite of their weaknesses.  In fact, unconditional love is loving someone so much that you're willing to fight for them and with them (and this is NOT referring to physical fighting.)

You are NOT required to support someone's bad decisions if you unconditionally love them.  In fact, it is your duty to lovingly let them know that what they're doing might be a poor decision.  If they change their mind, great.  If they don't, its your job to be there for them to pick them up when the bad decision doesn't work out.  Loving someone means that they are allowed to make mistakes and you'll love them regardless BUT you also love them enough to say, "Hey, I don't want to see you get hurt.  You might want to think about it...."  You are allowed to tell them that they're making a poor choice.

Loving someone means that you're bold enough to be the voice of reason when it's needed.  It means that you're ready to stand up to them and let them know that you love them BUT they are about to make a really poor decision.  It means that you'll be there to help them pick up the pieces after.  It means that you stand by them when they're fighting to make themselves better.  It means that you're there to dry their tears and make them laugh when they need it most.  It means that you are ready, at a moment's notice, to stop what you're doing and run to their side if they're hurt.  Loving someone is about walking with someone daily in this crazy life and encouraging them to be the best person they can be while you do the same.