Because of the Lord’s hesed we do not perish, for His mercies never end. Lamentations 3:22, Adapted

Hesed (also chesed) is the Grand Canyon of love. Hesed is the Hebrew word describing God’s unconditional extravagant love (Note 1). The compulsion to give and to love without limit those who have no merit. God’s hesed love is why He never gives up on His children, even though they repeatedly fall into idolatry and sin. It is the reason He sent His only Son on a rescue mission. Jesus Is God’s ultimate hesed.

In his powerful book Inexpressible, Michael Card defines hesed as being: “When the person from whom I have a right to expect nothing gives me everything” (Note 2). Hesed love cannot be defined or experienced apart from the fullness of God’s character. It is a supernatural, multifaceted love that is only realized, practiced, and experienced through God. Although not the same as human love, it can be experienced by humans (Jonathan and David, 1 Samuel 18:3; Ruth and Boaz, Ruth 3:10).

And holiness? Holiness is a spark from God’s hesed love, kindled to a flame in my heart by the Holy Spirit, and so it ever turns to the place from which it comes.

Note 1: Hesed is the defining characteristic of God. God is love. But the word love does not begin to describe the immensity of God’s hesed. The fullness of the meaning of hesed is not easily translated or expressed. It has been variously translated as agape love (Greek), and in English as lovingkindness, unconditional love, compassionate faithfulness, and unswerving loyalty. But none of these come close to describing the fullness of the meaning of hesed love. We will never know its full meaning until we are face to face with God.

Note 2: Michael Card describes hesed as “the greatest sacramental word in the Hebrew Bible.” The Christian mission statement is to know God and to make Him known. Want to be on mission? Read Michael Card’s book Inexpressible.