The concept of appealing to God's steadfast love is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the deep and enduring nature of God's covenantal love for His people. This steadfast love, often translated from the Hebrew word "chesed," encompasses mercy, kindness, and faithfulness. It is a central attribute of God's character and a foundation for the believer's trust and hope.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, God's steadfast love is frequently highlighted in the Psalms, where the psalmists often appeal to it in times of distress, seeking deliverance and forgiveness. Psalm 136 is a notable example, where the refrain "His loving devotion endures forever" underscores the eternal nature of God's love. This psalm recounts God's mighty acts in creation and history, attributing them to His enduring love.

The appeal to God's steadfast love is also evident in the prayers of the prophets and leaders of Israel. In Exodus 34:6-7, God reveals Himself to Moses as "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth, maintaining loving devotion to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin" . This self-revelation becomes a basis for Israel's appeal to God's mercy and forgiveness throughout their history.

In the book of Lamentations, the prophet Jeremiah appeals to God's steadfast love amidst the destruction of Jerusalem: "Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:22-23). Here, the prophet finds hope in God's unchanging love despite the nation's dire circumstances.

New Testament Continuation

The New Testament continues to emphasize God's steadfast love, now fully revealed in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, frequently speaks of God's love as the basis for salvation and the believer's assurance. In Romans 5:8, Paul writes, "But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" . This sacrificial love is the ultimate demonstration of God's steadfast love for humanity.

The Apostle John also highlights this theme, particularly in 1 John 4:9-10: "This is how God’s love was revealed among us: God sent His one and only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. And love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins" . Here, the appeal to God's love is grounded in the redemptive work of Christ, which assures believers of their standing before God.

Practical Implications

For believers, appealing to God's steadfast love is both a source of comfort and a call to emulate His love in their own lives. The assurance of God's unchanging love provides strength in trials, encouragement in spiritual growth, and motivation for loving others. As recipients of God's steadfast love, Christians are called to reflect this love in their relationships, embodying the grace and mercy they have received.

In prayer, believers are encouraged to appeal to God's steadfast love, trusting in His faithfulness and mercy. This appeal is not based on human merit but on the character of God Himself, who is "abounding in loving devotion" (Psalm 86:15). Through such appeals, believers align themselves with the biblical tradition of seeking God's intervention and guidance, confident in His unwavering love and commitment to His people.