Talk Together
Family conversations with God’s Word.
What comes to your mind when you think of the word love? When you think of the word love, you might think of hearts, someone you really like or even your favorite pet! But God’s love for us is very special. The Bible uses the word “steadfast” to describe God’s love. That means there is no ending to the love He has for His people. It’s a type of love many humans on Earth are unfamiliar with.
In the Old Testament book of Nehemiah, we learn about God’s steadfast love for His people. Nehemiah took place during a time when the kingdom of Israel was broken. The Israelites had repeatedly disobeyed God, so He allowed their enemies to defeat them and take them away as captives. But even though they were far from home and had to live under a new government and different king, God didn’t leave them.
Nehemiah, was a cupbearer to the Persian King. At the time, Persia owned the land of Israel; but God is more powerful than earthly kings. God had the king give Nehemiah permission to go to Jerusalem and help the people rebuild a wall around the city to keep their enemies out. Nothing can stop God from loving His people, not even captivity or earthly kings.
Nehemiah traveled to Jerusalem and helped the people rebuild the wall! After the work was finished, the people gathered together to read God’s word and praise Him. The people confessed their sins and recognized the great love God had for them, even when they had disobeyed Him. Can you help me find Nehemiah, chapter 9? Let’s read verses 32-33 together.
ESV
Now, therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love, let not all the hardship seem little to you that has come upon us, upon our kings, our princes, our priests, our prophets, our fathers, and all your people, since the time of the kings of Assyria until this day. Yet you have been righteous in all that has come upon us, for you have dealt faithfully and we have acted wickedly.
What did the Israelites tell God? They told Him they knew they had done wrong and they knew He still loved them. The people of Israel realized there were consequences for their sins. When we do something wrong, like disobey our parents or say mean words to a friend, we get in trouble. But God doesn’t stop loving us.
The story in Nehemiah shows us that God’s love is steadfast. His love is without end, unlike our love for temporary things here on Earth. He will not abandon His children no matter how many times we choose to turn away from Him. He will forgive and welcome us back. We can trust that He will never leave us and never stop loving us.