God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance.
Kindness: Becky and I have always been attracted to kindness. There’s something about it that draws us into relationship. Many people don’t expect a kind word or deed, but most folks seem to always appreciate it. Some folks try to “show kindness” so they can get something out of the other person. I think the majority of people can spot that a mile away!
Genuine kindness is selfless. Much like true love, true kindness is a way of life but comes from a place other than ourselves. The wisdom of God calls us to pursue kindness— but it goes much deeper than kind deeds. The ultimate worth of kindness is found in God’s kindness.
In the Old Testament, kindness is a word translated from the Hebrew word, hesed, which has no equivalent in English. Its meaning is broad and full! Proverbs 21:21 says, Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor.”
Let’s look at how the Hebrew language describes hesed. At Hesed.com, we find this definition: “the consistent, ever-faithful, relentless, constantly-pursuing, lavish, extravagant, unrestrained, furious love of our Father God!” Another way of defining hesed is in the word lovingkindness.
Psalm 63:3 says “because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You.”
Agape love is God loving us with all His heart, soul, mind, and strength. Sound familiar? That’s hesed! God’s lovingkindness to us! His lovingkindness is intended to bring us to repentance.
Reflection:
- Think of a time, or times, that you’ve experienced God’s lovingkindness to you.
- How does His lovingkindness affect you?
- Has God’s lovingkindness affected others through you?
Praise our Father as you read Psalm 118:1-4 (NASB 1995).
Maybe you could write some verses of your own about His lovingkindness toward you.
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting. Oh let Israel say, “His lovingkindness is everlasting.” Oh let the house of Aaron say, “His lovingkindness is everlasting.” Oh let those who fear the LORD say, “His lovingkindness is everlasting. Psalm 118:1-4
Great insights, Sonny. This fits perfectly with yesterday’s sermon. Out of his kindness, GIF wants us to repent and become more and more like Jesus.
And you and Becky certainly reflect kindness in all you do!