BibleProject | The Character of GodSample

The Hebrew word khesed is one of the most common descriptions of God in the Hebrew Bible, and it’s almost impossible to translate into any other language! This word is rich with meaning, combining the ideas of unconditional love, loyalty, and generosity.

Ruth, for example, showed khesed to her mother-in-law Naomi by binding herself to Naomi despite the cost it could have on her future. It was a beautiful act of loyalty that revealed Ruth’s generous and faithful character. Many people attempt to show this kind of loyalty, but we often fail to endure in our love for other people. But God’s love never fails. 

God demonstrated his loyal love to us by becoming human and binding himself to us in the person of Jesus—the ultimate loyal and loving human. Through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, God opened a new future for humanity and all of creation. And God did this simply because it’s who he is. He is generous and faithful. When we experience the purity and beauty of God’s loyal love, we are empowered to show his love to others. 

Reflect:

1. How do the following passages portray God’s loyal love? 

2. How are we called to respond to God’s loyal and loving character?