Embracing Unconditional Kindness: The Power of Hesed
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we continue our series on goodness, focusing on Micah 6:8, which asks, "What does the Lord require of you?" The verse outlines three qualities: to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Last week, we discussed acting justly. Today, we delve into loving mercy, a concept encapsulated by the Hebrew word "hesed," which translates to kindness, unfailing love, or loyal love.
We often recognize goodness when we see it, but defining it can be challenging. For instance, witnessing someone pay for another's groceries when they fall short on cash is a clear act of mercy. The word "hesed" appears frequently in the Psalms, describing God's unfailing love and mercy towards us. This love is non-obligatory and enduring, regardless of how it is treated.
In our world, kindness often operates on a trade system: "You be kind to me, and I'll be kind to you." However, "hesed" calls for a deeper, unconditional kindness. Imagine a world where people extended kindness without expecting anything in return, even when they have been wronged. This kind of mercy transforms relationships and communities.
One reason we struggle to show mercy is that we don't believe others deserve it. We might think, "They made their bed, now they must lie in it." But the message of Jesus Christ teaches us that none of us deserve God's mercy, yet He extends it to us freely. Another reason is the fear of scarcity, thinking that if we give mercy, we won't have enough for ourselves. However, God's mercy is abundant and never runs out.
Many of us have not had a fresh experience of mercy, leading us to forget how transformative it can be. Psalm 86:13 reminds us of God's great love that delivers us from the depths. When we experience this mercy, it compels us to extend it to others.
Robert Downey Jr.'s story of receiving mercy from Mel Gibson illustrates this beautifully. Downey was given a second chance when he was at his lowest, and he, in turn, extended that same mercy to Gibson. This is a powerful example of how experiencing mercy can lead us to love and act with mercy.
Micah 6:8 doesn't just tell us to do mercy but to love it. Loving mercy requires a fresh encounter with God's mercy towards us. When we understand God's justice, kindness, and loyalty, we are moved to love mercy and act with it in our lives. This transforms us and brings goodness into the world.
### Key Takeaways
1. Understanding "Hesed": The Hebrew word "hesed" encompasses kindness, unfailing love, and loyalty. It is a non-obligatory kindness that endures regardless of how it is treated. This deep, multifaceted love is what God requires of us, and it transforms our relationships and communities when we embody it. [33:34]
2. Mercy Beyond Deserving: Often, we struggle to show mercy because we don't believe others deserve it. However, the message of Jesus Christ teaches us that none of us deserve God's mercy, yet He extends it to us freely. This understanding should compel us to extend mercy to others, regardless of their actions. [43:57]
3. Abundance Mindset: Fear of scarcity can prevent us from showing mercy. We might think that if we give, we won't have enough for ourselves. However, God's mercy is abundant and never runs out. Embracing an abundance mindset allows us to extend mercy freely, knowing that God's supply is limitless. [45:13]
4. Fresh Experience of Mercy: Many of us have not had a fresh experience of mercy, leading us to forget its transformative power. Psalm 86:13 reminds us of God's great love that delivers us from the depths. When we experience this mercy anew, it compels us to extend it to others, transforming our lives and relationships. [47:24]
5. Loving Mercy: Micah 6:8 calls us not just to do mercy but to love it. Loving mercy requires a fresh encounter with God's mercy towards us. When we understand God's justice, kindness, and loyalty, we are moved to love mercy and act with it in our lives. This transforms us and brings goodness into the world. [51:25]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[30:33] - Introduction to Goodness
[31:22] - Three Qualities of Goodness
[32:05] - Illustrations of Mercy
[33:34] - Understanding "Hesed"
[34:14] - Biblical References to "Hesed"
[36:39] - Definition of "Hesed"
[37:18] - The Kindness Trade
[38:31] - Fairness, Kindness, and Loyalty
[40:35] - Challenges in Showing Mercy
[43:57] - Mercy Beyond Deserving
[45:13] - Abundance Mindset
[47:24] - Fresh Experience of Mercy
[49:31] - Robert Downey Jr. and Mel Gibson
[51:25] - Loving Mercy
[54:17] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Micah 6:8 - "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
2. Psalm 86:13 - "For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths, from the realm of the dead."
3. Psalm 103:17 - "But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children."
### Observation Questions
1. What are the three qualities that Micah 6:8 says the Lord requires of us? [31:22]
2. How is the Hebrew word "hesed" translated in different contexts, and what does it encompass? [33:34]
3. According to Psalm 86:13, what has God's great love done for the psalmist? [47:24]
4. What example from the sermon illustrates the concept of mercy being extended beyond what is deserved? [49:31]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why might it be challenging for people to show mercy to others, according to the sermon? [40:35]
2. How does the concept of "hesed" challenge the common "kindness trade" mentality in our society? [37:18]
3. What does it mean to have an "abundance mindset" when it comes to showing mercy, and how does this relate to God's mercy? [45:13]
4. How does experiencing God's mercy personally influence one's ability to extend mercy to others? [47:24]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you struggled to show mercy because you felt the other person didn't deserve it. How can the understanding that none of us deserve God's mercy change your perspective? [43:57]
2. Think about a relationship in your life where kindness operates on a trade system. How can you begin to show "hesed" in that relationship without expecting anything in return? [37:18]
3. Identify a situation where you have been hesitant to show mercy due to fear of scarcity. How can you remind yourself of God's abundant mercy in that moment? [45:13]
4. When was the last time you had a fresh experience of God's mercy? How did it impact your actions towards others? [47:24]
5. How can you cultivate a love for mercy in your daily life, rather than just performing acts of mercy? What practical steps can you take to experience God's mercy more deeply? [51:25]
6. Consider the story of Robert Downey Jr. and Mel Gibson. Is there someone in your life who needs a second chance? How can you extend mercy to them this week? [49:31]
7. How can you create opportunities in your community to practice "hesed" and transform relationships and communities through unconditional kindness? [37:55]
Devotional
Day 1: The Depth of "Hesed"
Understanding "hesed" is crucial to grasping the kind of mercy God calls us to embody. The Hebrew word "hesed" encompasses kindness, unfailing love, and loyalty. It is a non-obligatory kindness that endures regardless of how it is treated. This deep, multifaceted love is what God requires of us, and it transforms our relationships and communities when we embody it. "Hesed" is not just a fleeting act of kindness but a steadfast, enduring love that mirrors God's own love for us. This love is often highlighted in the Psalms, where God's unfailing love and mercy are celebrated.
In our daily lives, embodying "hesed" means extending kindness and love even when it is not deserved or reciprocated. It calls us to go beyond the transactional nature of kindness that is prevalent in our world. Instead of expecting something in return, we are to show kindness and love unconditionally. This kind of love has the power to transform not just individual relationships but entire communities, creating a ripple effect of goodness and mercy. [33:34]
Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you withheld kindness because you felt it wasn't deserved. How can you extend "hesed" in a similar situation today?
Day 2: Mercy Beyond Deserving
Often, we struggle to show mercy because we don't believe others deserve it. We might think, "They made their bed, now they must lie in it." However, the message of Jesus Christ teaches us that none of us deserve God's mercy, yet He extends it to us freely. This understanding should compel us to extend mercy to others, regardless of their actions. Jesus' life and teachings are filled with examples of extending mercy to those who society deemed unworthy. His interactions with tax collectors, sinners, and even those who betrayed Him highlight the boundless nature of divine mercy.
When we grasp that we are recipients of undeserved mercy, it changes our perspective on how we treat others. It challenges us to move beyond our judgments and extend grace and compassion, even to those who have wronged us. This kind of mercy is transformative, not just for the recipient but also for the giver. It breaks down barriers, heals wounds, and fosters a sense of community and understanding. [43:57]
Matthew 5:7 (ESV): "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy."
Reflection: Is there someone in your life you find difficult to forgive? How can you begin to extend mercy to them today, remembering the mercy God has shown you?
Day 3: Embracing an Abundance Mindset
Fear of scarcity can prevent us from showing mercy. We might think that if we give, we won't have enough for ourselves. However, God's mercy is abundant and never runs out. Embracing an abundance mindset allows us to extend mercy freely, knowing that God's supply is limitless. This mindset shift is crucial in a world that often operates on a zero-sum game mentality, where giving to others is seen as losing something ourselves.
God's mercy is like a well that never runs dry. When we understand this, we can give generously without fear. This abundance mindset not only applies to mercy but to all aspects of our lives—love, kindness, resources, and time. When we live with the assurance that God’s provision is endless, we can become conduits of His mercy and love, impacting those around us in profound ways. [45:13]
2 Corinthians 9:8 (ESV): "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you operate out of a scarcity mindset? How can you shift to an abundance mindset, trusting in God's limitless provision?
Day 4: Experiencing Fresh Mercy
Many of us have not had a fresh experience of mercy, leading us to forget its transformative power. Psalm 86:13 reminds us of God's great love that delivers us from the depths. When we experience this mercy anew, it compels us to extend it to others, transforming our lives and relationships. A fresh encounter with God's mercy can reignite our passion for showing mercy to others, reminding us of the depth of God's love and grace.
Experiencing fresh mercy often requires us to pause and reflect on God's goodness in our lives. It involves recognizing the ways He has delivered us, provided for us, and shown us grace. This reflection can renew our hearts and minds, making us more attuned to the needs of others and more willing to extend the same mercy we have received. [47:24]
Psalm 86:13 (ESV): "For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol."
Reflection: Take a moment to reflect on a recent experience where you felt God's mercy. How can this fresh experience inspire you to show mercy to someone else today?
Day 5: Loving Mercy
Micah 6:8 calls us not just to do mercy but to love it. Loving mercy requires a fresh encounter with God's mercy towards us. When we understand God's justice, kindness, and loyalty, we are moved to love mercy and act with it in our lives. This transforms us and brings goodness into the world. Loving mercy means it becomes a part of who we are, not just something we do occasionally. It becomes a natural outflow of our relationship with God.
To love mercy is to delight in showing kindness and compassion, to find joy in extending grace, and to be eager to forgive. It means our hearts are aligned with God's heart, and our actions reflect His character. This kind of love for mercy can transform our communities, making them places of grace, forgiveness, and unconditional love. [51:25]
Zechariah 7:9 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a love for mercy in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to make mercy a natural part of who you are?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "Think about you're at a store. And you're in a line to go check out. And as you're in the line you notice the person who's in front of you. Who is taking some items and putting them on the conveyor belt. And then some they're sliding into their cart to try to avoid paying. What do you notice immediately? What you notice. Is it's a lack of goodness. It's a lack of justice." [32:05] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "But what if you experienced a kind of kindness. Where there was no expectation of it being given back to you. Or you having to return it to somebody. It was just offered. Non-obligatory. In a way. Often we live in a world where people keep to themselves. They say listen. There are a lot of needs out there. Once in a while I'll step out of myself. But I'll generally just keep to myself. But what if. We lived in a world where there was greater intervention. desire to say let me extend myself." [37:18] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "But part of understanding the message of Jesus Christ is that the justice of God says that none of us deserve the non-obligatory kindness of God. There's a second reason. And that is sometimes we're afraid that if we give mercy, if we give this has said to somebody else, that we won't have enough for ourselves. Have you ever had that thought? Like if I am kind and merciful to somebody, then the mercy won't come back to me." [43:57] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "But the text says do justice, act justly, because you have a sense of justice, what it means to be just, and you want justice. But mercy is something that unless you've experienced it in a fresh way and in a profound way, you will not naturally want to give mercy. And it's hard to command the emotion. Some of you might be saying, well, how do you command love? Well, the way that love is commanded, in a sense, is by simply moving us to a point where we don't say try harder to love, but do the things that foster love." [52:31] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God has expressed kindness, chesed to us, non-obligatory kindness to us in the person of Jesus Christ in sending him to die so that whosoever believes in him would never perish but have eternal life. And who's been loyal to us? God has been loyal because even when you turn your back on God or you fail or you blow it, there is his chesed that is still there in love for you." [53:25] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "And so just for a moment what I'd like to do is show you a few of the places that it's used predominantly in the Psalms. And just help us think about why this word is used. And why this is something God says he receives. And why this is something God requires. So Psalm 32 verse 10 tells us a little bit about this. It says this. Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord's unfailing love. That's the word hesed. That's the way it's translated here." [34:14] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "It is an intervening non-obligatory kindness. That endures no matter how it's treated. Let me say that again. This is a non-obligatory. Let me just read that so I get it exactly right. It is a non-obligatory kindness. That endures no matter how it's treated. And so that is what. Hesed basically means." [36:39] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Now, why is it hard for us to do mercy? And I'm purposely using the word do because the phrase in Micah 6.8 is do justice or act justly. So why is it hard for us to act with mercy? Kindness. Kindness has said towards somebody in our life. Well, the first reason that occurs to me is because we don't believe that other people deserve it. At the core of our being, a lot of times, what is true is that we say, well, I maybe have gotten somewhere. But I got somewhere because of the work that I've done in order to get myself there. And I'm not sure that somebody else deserves mercy." [40:35] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "But there's another reason, which is probably a deeper reason why sometimes it's hard to be merciful or kind to act in this way. And I would just say that this is many of us have not had a fresh experience of mercy ourselves. And what I mean by this is that many of us have been on a track for long enough that we start to believe that we deserve the goodness of God in our lives. And such a thing. And such a way that we haven't been moved by mercy in any substantial way." [46:07] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And what you can't do and expect to have a good result is simply say, I'm going to try really, really hard to love this person that I don't like right now. Okay? But what you can do is you can say, what drew me to this person? Where and how can we put ourselves in places where we rediscover the things that drew us together? And what you can do spiritually is you can say, what is it about God's love for me that overwhelms me? And when you do, then you will begin to see it." [52:31] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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