Just a couple of thoughts here. Unmerited grace? Absolutely! Unconditional love? In most cases, yes. Unconditional forgiveness? Absolutly not!
As to the "Be perfect" thingy, I think that Jesus asked that of us just so that we could experience how impossible that is, and know how much we needed His sacrificial death to atone for our sins. I believe that He gave the Church this impossible command, just as He gave the Jews the impossible task of keeping the law, and for the same reason; to show us we can never be good enough to save ourselves
The unconditional forgiveness thing -- I don't know. In a way you are right -- God does look to a response of some sort. But your post, for the most part, is exactly right, I think. In the Sermon on the Mount, Christ made a mountain out of a mole hill, sort ta speak. Things are not easier, when He gets through talking -- they are impossible. Thus, our continual need for him. At least, that is where my mind landed after reading your post. Good post.
Jd
