Freedom Calls

The concept of Hesed, or loving kindness, is a profound and multifaceted theme that permeates the Bible, appearing approximately 250 times in the Old Testament.

As Charles Spurgeon once said,

“The loving-kindness of God is a boundless ocean, and we are but tiny vessels trying to comprehend its depths.”

This attribute of God’s character is perhaps most succinctly described in Exodus 34:6-7, where it is written,

“The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin.”

As C.S. Lewis astutely observed,

“God’s love is not a sentimental fondness but a fierce and unyielding commitment to our well-being.”

This understanding is echoed in the words of A.W. Tozer, who wrote that

“God’s love is not a feeling but a fact.”

The concept of Hesed embodies this idea, describing an emotion that links to salvation, binds the relationship between people and covenants with God, moves toward action, and endures throughout all time.

David expresses his confidence in God’s lovingkindness (Hesed) in Psalm 23:6, “Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life.” Micah 6:8 describes our duty before God as doing justice, loving kindness (Hesed), and walking humbly with Him. Zechariah speaks of the relationship with one another as dispensing true justice and practicing kindness and compassion (Hesed) towards each other.

But what about Agape love? Is it the same as Hesed? In the language of the New Testament, Agape love is considered the highest form of love – unconditional, by choice, and self-sacrificing. As D.L. Moody once said, “The greatest thing you can do for God or man is to lift someone up.” Agape moved God to send His only Son as a sacrifice for our sins. Although Hesed love is sometimes translated as Agape love in the Greek Septuagint, it is most often translated as mercy (eleos) in the New Testament.

According to Watchman Nee , “Love has no limits; it cannot be measured; it has no boundaries.” The Greek Agape is one of three types of love in the New Testament. Covenant love of the Old Testament is often expressed as committed love in the New Testament. Agape and Hesed entwine together – both rich in meaning and deep with affection – expressing faithful love.

John Bunyan wrote , “Love was higher than any law or rule that men had made” . So how can we experience this beautiful attribute of Hesed – this covenantal loyalty – on a daily basis? Here are six ways:

1. **Practice reading God’s Word**: Pour over scripture daily.

2. **Practice Prayer**: Speak words back to Father from scripture regarding His hesed.

3. **Memorization**: Hide scripture verses about hesed away within your heart by committing them into memory

4. **Meditate on Scripture** : Reflect quietly upon these verses

5.. **Fellowship** : Surround yourself among believers & good people.

6..**Begin Each Day on Right Footing** Read Versus aloud Daily