Loyal Love

We often speak positively of the word "repetition." It's repetition by which we learn many things; it's also good when things we depend upon "repeatedly" perform as they should. It is painful, however, when we are repeatedly treated unkindly by someone. That hurt seems to be deep and lasting. David writes about The Lord's unfailing love and mercy: "Return, O LORD, rescue my soul; save me because of Your [unfailing] steadfast love and mercy." (Psalm 6:4 AMP). Honestly, it's hard for us to fully comprehend the word "unfailing" because that's not what we know: although some things last, few (if any) fit the description of absolutely unfailing - electricity, vehicles, air conditioners, well pumps, relationships, etc. Yet, God - Who does not waiver and cannot lie - says He loves and is merciful ... without fail. It is His character; the Hebrew word "mercy" is sometimes described as the "loyal love" of God. It is a love that knows of no other way to be, unable to be any other way. The repeated hurts that bring pain and stire up bad memories stand in stark contrast to the constant, continuous, steadfast, steady, loyal love and mercy God "repeatedly" shows to those who love and revere Him. I wish I could say you and I will never again know unkindness but [sadly] it is part of living in this fallen world. What I am sure of with confident expectation is we have a God of perfectly ... loyal love.