Table of Contents
Filled With Unfailing Love
The Hebrew word in the Old Testament, (ḥéseḏ) is the main term used to describe God’s love. It is used around 250 times. Words in Hebrew have a richness and depth to their meanings. Therefore, translators differ slightly on what English word to use to get the richness of the Hebrew meaning across to us.
The word (ḥéseḏ) incorporates mercy, kindness, goodness, grace, and loyalty—and each aspect finds its supreme expression in our Creator God. Some translations According to an article in Answers in Genesis, combine two words such as “lovingkindness,” in the NASB, “steadfast love,” in the RSV and “unfailing love.” in the NIV. The NKJV, like the KJV, usually translates the single word “mercy,” though in a couple of verses it uses the two-word phrase “merciful kindness.”
Be encouraged by the truth that God does not lie and rest assured as you reflect on the scriptures below.
Unfailing Love and Faithfulness
I [the LORD] am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. Exo 34:6
The Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. Jn 1:14
- You gave me life and showed me your unfailing love. Job 10:12
- I am always aware of your unfailing love, and I have lived according to your truth. Psa 26:3
- Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds. Psa 36:5
- Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! Psa 63:3
- Your unfailing love will last forever. Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens. Psa 89:2
- The Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation. Psa 100:5
- His unfailing love for us is powerful; the Lord’s faithfulness endures forever. Psa 117:2
Testimonials of His Faithfulness
- He is a faithful God who does no wrong; Deu 32:4 / Moses
- To the faithful, you show yourself faithful; 2Sa 22:26 / David
- You are faithful to your promises, O my God. Psa 71:22 / David
- Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. Lam 3:23 / Jeremiah
- Your faithfulness extends to every generation, as enduring as the earth you created. Psa 119:90 / David
Compassion and Mercy
I [the LORD] will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose. Exo 33:19
- But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. Psa 86:15
- The LORD is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation. Psa 145:9
- The LORD has comforted his people and will have compassion on them in their suffering. Isa 49:13
- Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion because of the greatness of his unfailing love. Lam 3:32
In 2Ti 2:13 God’s Word states, If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is. This statement by Paul to Timothy is referring to the believers of Christ, not to the unbelievers. We as believers can rest assured that if we sin and seek God in repentance and for forgiveness, he remains faithful to His Word. However, we can see below that there is an expectation of how we are to live our lives with respect to our Creator and Lord.
Conditional Promises
| God's Promise: | Your Part: | Scripture |
|---|---|---|
| I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on; | those who love me and obey my commands. | Exo 20:6 |
| God will keep His covenant and show unfailing love to; | all who walk before Him in wholehearted devotion. | 2Ch 6:14 |
| The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness; | all who keep His covenant and obey His demands. | Psa 25:10 |
| Unfailing love surrounds those; | who trust the Lord. | Psa 32:10 |
| God is full of unfailing love for; | all who ask for your help. | Psa 86:5 |
Scriptures used are from biblegateway.com and unless otherwise noted, I’m using the New Living Translation (NLT)Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
