Steadfast Love

Ruth 1:16 “Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God.”

Some of us know couples who have been married for over 60 or even over 70 years. They are an amazing example of commitment and love. When couples were asked what the secret to their long-lasting relationship was, they said things like communication, respect, patience, forgiveness, and living a long time! We call that kind of love, steadfast.

The Hebrew word ‘hesed describes steadfast love that is kind, faithful, reliable, and long-lasting. It is the kind of love God has for us and we have for God. In the Bible, we learn about ‘hesed’ love from the story of Ruth and her mother-in-law Naomi. When life became challenging for them, they chose to continue to support, and care for each other. Ruth, in particular, committed to being there for Naomi in a powerful example of loyalty, kindness, and steadfast love.