This time last week I was in the Dallas, TX area for my nephew’s wedding.  It was a beautiful event, and it was great to be with family, even if it was for just a day or so.  The ceremony honored the Lord and the sacredness of marriage, and it went smoothly, without a hitch.  Almost.  Doesn’t there often seem to be that one unplanned moment in a wedding ceremony?  As the best man pulled the ring out of his pocket to hand it to my brother-in-law who was officiating the wedding, the ring caught on a string in the pocket.  After a couple of light tugs, it came out.  But there was a problem.  The symbol of love and commitment to be given to the bride came with strings attached.  Literally.  However, after a minute or so (somehow it seemed quite tangled), the problem was remedied, the ring was given, and now they can live happily ever after – no strings attached.  But that lighthearted moment reminded me of a powerful and blessed truth.  The Heavenly Father looked down at a sin-cursed world and loved us anyway.  Then He gave the symbol of that love and commitment without hesitation.  “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son….”  And He did it with no strings attached.  It was unconditional love for those who certainly didn’t deserve it.  As Romans 5:8 says, “But God commendeth His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”  While we were yet sinners.  No strings attached.  We didn’t have to clean up to get it, earn it, or beg for it.  It’s there if we just accept it.  And then we’ll live happily ever after – for all eternity.  Praise Him today for His unconditional love!