He Said, She Said, or Hesed

Most of us can relate to growing up in an environment where love was earned. It also seemed love was “unearned” or withdrawn easily. We would do most anything to be assured of love, even when we acted stupidly. It is easy to say “I love you” when moved emotionally. But when the emotions are in control and do not feel that love, it is then natural to decide maybe I really do not love _____ at all, or at least not as much as I did. There is a Hebrew word used in the Old Testament that speaks of God’s love in a very specific way. It is the word Hesed. It describes a covenant love or favor shown by God to those with whom He has entered into a covenant relationship. It is best understood as unfailing or enduring love because God is a God of His Word. He does not break His Word. It is only those who are in that covenant relationship with Him who are recipients of His enduring love. When compared with Romans 8:38-39 it is seen that there is nothing a true believer in Christ can do that can make God stop loving Him. And there is nothing anyone else can do for that matter. In the movie Patriot Games, Harrison Ford is asked if there is anything certain in this world. He answers: “The love of my daughter.” For the believer the love of God is absolutely certain because even the love of children can end. Psalm 136 is the classic description of God’s unfailing love. It is known as the Great Hallel, and was sung antiphonally. It is a psalm of thanksgiving for God’s goodness as seen in His unfailing love. In this psalm we are called to give thanks to God for creating us, redeeming us, shepherding us, conquering for us, and delivering us into our final rest. It is described in Hebrews 12:1-15 in relation to God as a Father who trains and changes His children, often in uncomfortable ways. Psalm 23:6 says that God pursues His own with His unfailing love every day of their lives. This tells me again that God’s unfailing love is active. He is always drawing me back to Himself. Remember, hesed is the covenant love of God; He has entered into an eternal covenant with me. When God sets His love upon a true son or daughter who belongs to Him because of Christ, His love is active, certain, and unending. I may lay down to sleep at night and realize I did not love Him with all my heart, mind, and strength that day, but I can go to sleep being assured He still loves me with all of His (Psa 139).