Have you noticed that Bible verses about God’s love often include one particular adjective? In the New International Version, translators chose the word unfailing, as in:
I trust in your unfailing love.
Psalm 13:5 NIV
Just in the psalms alone of that version you’ll find the phrase unfailing love used at least twenty-seven times.
Even more interesting, look up those same verses in other translations and you’ll find no less than eight different expressions in place of unfailing love, including:
- Gracious love (International Standard Version)
- Devoted love (Berean Standard Bible)
- Steadfast love (English Standard Version)
- Constant love (Good News Translation)
- Merciful love (New American Standard Bible)
- Lovingkindness (Amplified Bible)
- Faithful love (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
- Loyal love (New English Bible) [1]
Each one adds to the wonder of an all-powerful King of the universe who delights in you, who treasures you.
Yes, he does.
So for the next few moments, let God love on you. Deliciate in the lavish love of your Heavenly Father. [2]
He would have you know:
My love for you, precious child, is gracious—
I do not just put up with you!
My grace to you is affirmation of my acceptance
and pleasure in you. [3]
My love for you is devoted—
caring, affectionate, and attentive.
Remember, I am always thinking about you;
I am always supplying your needs. [4]
My love for you is steadfast.
“No matter what you might do,
you don’t have to worry about letting Me down,
because you were never holding Me up.” [5]
My love for you is constant.
I already loved you before time began.
Regardless of your performance,
My love for you will never diminish. [6]
My love for you, dear one, is merciful—
forgiving, sympathetic, and ungrudging.
I’ve given you a dazzling crown of mercy and compassion;
will you not wear it? [7]
My love for you is full of kindness.
Through My Son I made it possible
for you to enjoy a rich and satisfying life.
I continually bless you with good things. [8]
My love for you is faithful.
Time and again I have “accomplished wonders,
plans formed long ago—with perfect faithfulness”—
To bless you, provide for you, grow you. [9]
My love for you is loyal—
Unchanging, unwavering, and unfailing.
The more you depend on Me,
The more dependable you will find me to be. [10]
* * * * * * * * * *
I can scarcely believe that you, the God of the universe, with all your perfections and glory, would love me—with all my imperfections and shame. Yet you eagerly bestow your gracious favor in wondrous ways. Help me to continually rest in your unfailing love, free from anxiety and fear. Amen.
How is God loving on you today? Please share in the comment section below!
Art & photo credits: http://www.pickpik.com (2); http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.canva.com; http://www.picryl.com (artist: Richard Jakopic); http://www.pickpik.com (2).
[1] In many Old Testament scriptures, it’s the multi-dimensional Hebrew word hesed (used nearly 250 times) that translators are trying to express.
[2] Based on a statement of Margaret Feinberg, Wonderstruck, 25.
[3] John 1:12; Psalm 147:11
[4] Psalm 139:17-18; Philippians 4:19
[5] Lysa Terkeurst, Embraced, 130.
[6] Jeremiah 31:3; 1 John 4:8; Romans 8:38-39
[7] Psalm 103:2-4
[8] John 10:10 NLT; Psalm 107:9 GNT
[9] Isaiah 25:1; Matthew 7:11; Psalm 23:1; Philippians 1:6
[10] James 1:17; Psalm 145:13b; Cliff Richard, https://www.searchquotes.com/search/Dependable_God/
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How is God loving me today? Well, he made sure I took the opportunity to read your blog so that I knew all the different ways He loved me, how much He loved me, and how His son made it all possible! 🙂
That warms my heart, Nancy, that God used this post to love on you today! “Jesus loves me, this I know” is as profound as it is simple.
Wow! Love this post. All the words used to describe how God loves is is truly amazing.
I’m so glad you found much to enjoy here about our Father’s love, Manu!
This comes right at the point of need for me! Thank you so much for being faithful to your calling. I very good study.
And I’m praising God that I was privileged to be the messenger, Sheila. May you soar through this day with the uplift of his love under your wings!
How I needed this reminder today, Nancy! God’s love is ever unfailing and always available to us when we ask. And even when we fail to ask, He is faithful to give us the best of Himself. What a mighty and loving God we serve!
Blessings!
Praise God this post arrived at just the right the time for you, Martha. Just another example of his love in action!
I love all those words added to Love. What a round-up
God’s love is indeed multi-faceted, a wonder to never take for granted!
What a precious reminder of the unconditional love our Father has for us!! Beautiful!!
Thank you, Alicia. I’m so glad you found the reminders meaningful. As a blogger yourself, you know there’s discovery and delight as God ministers to us through the writing process. These reminders refreshed my spirit too!
❤️
Oh, Nancy! Once again, the Lord led me to read your blog when I needed it the most. I do feel as if I let Him down from time to time when anxieties befall me and I fail to deal with them in a way that shows my faith in Him. I am weeping as I write this, giving thanks that He continually provides encouragement and most of all constantly shows His LOVE for an undeserving me. Please pray for me as my family is facing some challenges right now. (No one is ill, just a lot of things all at going on at once.) Thank you, my forever and faithful friend.
You are so welcome, dear Cheri. It SO warms my heart when a post ministers to someone’s specific need. I’d say your Heavenly Father is very proud of you for fighting against anxiety as you do. And yes, I will pray for your family. May God’s peace, presence, wisdom, strength, and miracle-working power be at work!
Thanks so much, Nancy. May you and your family have a Blessed Thanksgiving!
💗
Every now and then my wife and I remind our children about our “unconditional love” for them, especially when they fear they’ve disappointed us. It’s a version of love we couldn’t really appreciate until we had children. Perhaps it is also just a hint of God’s “unfailing love” (which has many more facets). Also, “deliciate”? What a beautiful word!
Agreed: once we have children of our own we understand more of how our Heavenly Father must feel toward us. / And I too loved that new word that Margaret Feinberg invented. It should be in the dictionary, right?
How is God loving me, He has shown me even when I don’t understand the trails, He gives me hope for tomorrow. God’s faithfulness reminds me no matter what today brings I can rest in His Presence. Thanks once again Nancy for helping me focus on our Savior not what is happening in the world.
You’ve endured trouble, pain and uncertainty, yet your faith has remained strong, Anita. You are a strong example for all of us to follow, my friend!
God’s blessings are countless. Have a Happy Thanksgiving, Nancy! ❤
Thank you, Anna. We’ll enjoy a houseful of family and friends–some old, some new–that will surely contribute to a blessed Thanksgiving. May you also have a blessed day!
you know how I love words – unfailing is a great word to study and ponder. Thanks for all this, Nancy!
I’m so glad you found this post meaningful, Jean!
Without His love, I’d simply fall off the edge.🙏🏾💖
Me too, RH!
Thanks Nancy for your faithfulness in writing these treasures. May you and Steve and families have a wonderful Thanksgiving the 23rd.
And thank YOU, Sam, for your faithful reading of these posts. We did enjoy a delightful day with family and friends. I trust you did also!
Thanksgiving blessings to you, dear Nancy.
Thank you, Linda. We did enjoy a blessed time yesterday. I trust you did also!
Nancy, I’m late to the party, but WOW. I love this post and the many, many reminders of how God loves us. One quote you shared stopped me:
“My love for you is steadfast.
“No matter what you might do,
you don’t have to worry about letting Me down,
because you were never holding Me up.”
I have worried about letting God down. But what a beautiful reminder that we were never holding Him up. He’s bigger than someone who we can let down. Wow. I needed that. Thanks!
Isn’t that a wonderful quote from Lysa Terkeurst? Such powerful reassurance. I can highly recommend the book it came from, Embraced!
Such a beautiful post! Wishing you blessings!!! 🙂
Thank you, Linda–on both counts!
Hi Nancy,
God’s Agape love is what holds and protects all things that exists. It is God being able to be in Jesus and life changing. Without it we can do nothing on time but with it we can make a difference for eternity. Hope you are doing well.
Gary
Such a glorious reality: with God’s love working in us and through us we can make a difference for eternity, just as you say! Thank you, Gary, for adding your insights. P.S. Yes, we are doing well; pray you and your family are enjoying days of purpose, satisfaction, and joy!
Very encouraging. Thank you!
I’m so glad you found encouragement here, God Girl. Praise Him for his inspiration!