The term chesed (lovingkindness) in David's prayer of repentance in Psalm 51 refers to a combination of strong, steadfast love to God's covenanted and chosen people. God's lovingkindness is not unconditional, but will be removed from those who refuse to abide by His covenant. We need to continually fear and obey God, realizing that God's lovingkindness is contingent upon obedience.