What does "for the sake of Your steadfast love" teach about God's character?

Tracing the Phrase

• In several psalms the writer cries, “save me … redeem us … for the sake of Your steadfast love” (e.g., Psalm 6:4; 44:26; 109:26).

• The renders it, “save me because of Your loving devotion,” or “redeem us on account of Your loving devotion.”

• “For the sake of” points to the motive behind God’s action; “steadfast love” (Hebrew ḥesed) describes His covenant loyalty.

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Five Truths About God’s Character

1. Constant and Unchanging

• “For I, the LORD, do not change” (Malachi 3:6).

• Because His love is steadfast, we can expect consistency in His dealings with us.

2. Covenant-Keeper

• ḥesed is love tied to covenant promises (Exodus 34:6-7).

• He rescues not because we deserve it, but because He remains faithful to His sworn word (Deuteronomy 7:9).

3. Self-Motivated Mercy

• “Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name give glory, because of Your loving devotion” (Psalm 115:1).

• God’s own character is the ultimate reason He forgives and delivers; our merit is never the basis.

4. Active, Saving Love

• Steadfast love is never passive. “You, O LORD, are a shield about me” (Psalm 3:3).

• He steps in, redeems, defends, and restores—love expressed through decisive action (Romans 5:8).

5. Enduring to the End

• “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good. His loving devotion endures forever” (Psalm 136:1).

• Nothing—including our failures—exhausts His steadfast love (Lamentations 3:22-23).

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Why This Matters Today

• Assurance: My standing with God rests on His unwavering love, not my fluctuating performance.

• Confidence in Prayer: I can appeal to His character—“for the sake of Your steadfast love”—with boldness and humility.

• Motivation for Holiness: Experiencing such love fuels grateful obedience (1 John 4:19).