Just as in all questions, terms must be defined so that all parties can talk about the same thing.
The agnostic argues that an “unconditional love god” will save all people regardless of their propensity toward Him. Hence, they find it ludicrous for anyone that believes in unconditional love to say anyone should believe or do anything for their salvation.
However, “unconditional” can mean whatever the involved parties desire. For example, unconditional surrender to the Nazis during World War II seems to have left no allowance for negotiation. Russia tried vainly to get the Allies to modify their demand. On the other hand, unconditional surrender terms for Japan permitted the emperor to be retained if certain conditions were met. Japan was appeased with at least that condition.
This passage describes an “unconditional love” that God has and in turn expects His children to practice. Agapao love is explained by Strong as being affection from a sense of duty which distinguishes it from the phileo love. 1 Corinthians 13 describes this Bible love as a benevolent action on part of the giver. The text of Jesus' statement surely bears such a definition. “Do good” to others, even if they are not good to you. God “does good” to all without partiality. Even the worst atheist receives the same sunshine and rain. So we see that necessities of life are given unconditionally from God to mankind in general. On the other hand, God does not give out certain blessings without conditions. Salvation, for example. God gave Jesus to die on the cross to save. But this love action is conditional. John 3:16 states clearly that God sent His Son to save those that believe on Him. There is no unconditional salvation. We are saved by God's grace through the Faith (Ephesians 2:80-10). Notice that the original Greek for this passage has the definite article "the" before the channel for accessing God's grace. “Grace” means “approval” or “favor”. Man is afforded this gift through the Faith (Romans 1:16,17; Jude 3). Faith comes by listening to the Word of God (Romans 10:17); i.e., obedience to the Faith once and for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3).
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