Quick Hebrew lesson:
The Hebrew Old Testament uses two different words to describe God's love: the word ahab and the word chesed. Ahab is the word often used to describe relationships between people--friends, family, or husband and wife. It literally means to "breathe after." It's an intense word describing a feeling of desire and affection.
Chesed is the word more often used to describe the love of God. It's often translated into English as steadfast love, faithful love, unfailing love. None of those phrases give the term justice, though. Chesed is "a love that doesn't depend on the response or behavior of the receiver but rather on the steadfast character and commitment of the giver." Chesed is a mind-set.
How amazing to know that the God of the universe breathes after me! How comforting to know that His love doesn't depend on anything about me! He's a great God. He's a loving God.
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