Hesed

Today I had a nice three hour drive back to campus by myself.  That is a lot of time to think... and even over think.  With Valentine's Day right around the corner, I couldn't help but think of love.  How God show's us His steadfast love over and over again.  I was reminded of this the other day when I read through Psalm 136: "His love endures forever." is repeated 26 times, once after each phrase.  God's hesed [passionate, devoted, sacrificial] love endures forever.  What have I done to deserve such a love?  Nothing but be a depraved sinner.  The awesome part of all this is that God allows us the ability to show others His hesed through us.  What a vessel we are.  In 1 John 4, John lets us know all about this love.  God showed us His love for us by sending His only begotten Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.  John goes on to say, "Dear friends, since God so love us, we also ought to love one another." (v.11)  This is a command not an option.  So loving other's is meant for every day of the year, not just Valentine's Day.  Show God's hesed.