Intro: There are many words in Hebrew that do not translate perfectly into English. The word “kindness” is one of them. In Hebrew—chesed (hesed)—often translates as “loving-kindness,” and means giving oneself fully (loyally), with love and compassion or mercy; however, chesed is actually much more. Essentially, it is a covenant term; it stands for the attitude—by which both parties in a covenant—must honor and express themselves toward one another.
God’s chesed never lets go of his people; even when God’s people act faithless, He remains faithful. So, Jesus becomes the mediator for those who connect to Him by faith. Believers have a covenant of love with God through Jesus Christ as He teaches us how to live in the chesed of the Father. We return the chesed of the Lord by obeying His commands to love God wholeheartedly and love our neighbors as we love ourselves. By the way, the New Testament Greek equivalent of the Old Testament Hebrew chesed is charis translated into English as “grace.” We are given chesed/charis by God and we reciprocate to God and our neighbors in kind. In this way, we are blessed to be a blessing.
In our passage today from the Book of Proverbs, wisdom reminds us chesed is revealed by our trust in the Lord and our willingness to apply the Truth (Christ) to our lives. Proverbs 3:5-6 is my life verse; God planted it in my heart many years ago. I quote it to myself aloud often—especially when I am tempted to go my own way. Our inclination is to use our human understanding to decide what God desires from us. That can be very dangerous, so we must instead trust God’s plan, seek God’s will, and watch for divine doors to be open. Wisdom teaches us to store God’s commands in our hearts, so we can trust, seek, and watch for the Truth.
Proverbs 3:1-12 NLT Trusting in the Lord
1
My child, never forget the things I have taught you.
Store my commands in your heart.
2
If you do this, you will live many years,
and your life will be satisfying.
3
Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!
Tie them around your neck as a reminder.
Write them deep within your heart.
4
Then you will find favor with both God and people,
and you will earn a good reputation.
5
Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
6
Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.
7
Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.
Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
8
Then you will have healing for your body
and strength for your bones.
9
Honor the Lord with your wealth
and with the best part of everything you produce.
10
Then he will fill your barns with grain,
and your vats will overflow with good wine.
11
My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline,
and don’t be upset when he corrects you.
12
For the Lord corrects those he loves,
just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for loving us in a perfect covenantal way. You are so faithful in all you extend to us of your nature even though we are so undeserving. Thank you for Jesus who’s sinless life covers and represents us in his righteousness. Thank you for correcting our sin and helping us trust your abundant loving-kindness and grace. Holy Spirit lead and help us turn in the direction of Truth. May wisdom help us remember this lesson, today, and may we be willing to extend grace to others as you have commanded. In Jesus’ name. Amen.