Have you ever stopped to think about how quickly our irritations with others can cause us to discard or ignore a relationship? We tire of their inability to understand, their failure to pursue positive change, or their lack of input into the relationship that is supposed to exist. Yes, and sometimes, we can even point to an explicit hurt that was inflicted, knowingly or unknowingly. And so, with a shrug of the shoulder and a refusal to turn back, we question, "Why bother?" and walk away. I am sooo glad God doesn’t do that to us. Rarely do we have an understanding God-perspective, the commitments we make to pursue godliness are tarnished with our failures, our attempts at nurturing our relationship with Him are scattered, and sometimes we too sense God’s knowing look that reminds us we have grieved His heart by our choices, even as Peter did in the courtyard.

 

The words of Proverbs 16:6 are powerfully impacting in consideration of God’s heart toward us, even when we fail Him. Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for our sin. Rather than ignoring us, or discarding us, or even wondering why He should continually "bother" with us, He does "bother" with us. His unfailing love is reflective of both His commitment to us and His character. He can do no less. His loyalty is fiercely possessive. His faithfulness is uncompromising. God’s words to the nation of Israel in the book of Hosea are words for the followers of Christ as well. I will betroth you to Me forever; yes, I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and in justice, in lovingkindness and in compassion, and I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness. And His faithfulness is not dependent on our faithfulness. If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.

I have a friend who beautifully reflects the unfailing love and faithfulness of God. She has chosen to unselfishly and with no ulterior motives to love someone who almost at times seems to scorn her love. Her longings for the one she has chosen to love often go unmet and little comes back in recognition or appreciation, but love is still given. Humanly speaking, there is no plausible reason for her love, but her faithfulness remains. God. He does that over and over again – with me and with you. Maybe, just maybe, His unending reservoirs of unfailing love and faithfulness will cause me to reach for the "better" He has for me. Maybe it will soften my heart to be more responsive. Maybe it will help me give a little bit of it away to others. And maybe, just maybe, His unfailing love and faithfulness will cause you to do the same.