Chesed

Chesed is a Hebrew word that is sometimes translated into our English word kindness. Often it speaks about the character and nature of our Creator God.

In some passages, it describes how people treat each other…how those who are poor or disadvantaged are treated by those who are not impoverished or in some reduced circumstance.

 “The LORD is slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness…” (Numbers 14:18 NASB)

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your Gid.” (Micah 6:8 NASB)  

“What is desirable in a man is his kindness…” (Proverbs 19:22 NASB)

In 1 Samuel 20, the story is told of King Saul’s son Jonathan and David, the future king of Israel.  The narrative is not difficult to read.  Jonathan and David were good friends.  Jonathan recognized the shortcomings of his father, but he also acknowledged the call of God on David’s life. David would be Israel’s king. 

 When the throne changed, it was common to kill off rival heirs, and Jonathan made a request of David. “If I am still alive, will you not show me the lovingkindnes of the LORD, that I may not die?” (1 Samuel 20:14 NASB)

Even though Jonathan died on a battlefield, David remembered his promise and rather than feeling free of that commitment, he looked for a way to honor it. “ …then David said, is there yet anyone left of the house of Saul that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”  (2 Samuel 9:1 NASB) 

There was.  A crippled young man. 

It’s a great story, you should read it for yourself. 

This week, my great nephew participated in Special Olympics.  Jett has some paralysis that effects his left hand and leg.  I would never call him a cripple, though some would.  He is a brilliant, vibrant little boy that limps and can’t use his left arm and hand like most of us.  He can’t hold a baseball bat, can’t climb the monkey bars, and sometimes receives some unkind comments from other children.  

On Special Olympic day, the football field was packed with children of all shapes and sizes. Jett ran a race, threw a ball for distance, and had a couple pretty cheerleaders as buddies for the days festivities. 

Kind cheerleaders.  

Pretty young ladies, with a chesed-filled heart for a little boy who sometimes struggles with his circumstances. 

“Then the word of the LORD came to Zechariah saying, "Thus has the LORD of hosts said, 'Dispense true justice and….

….practice kindness and compassion each to his brother; and do not oppress the widow or the orphan, the stranger or the poor; and do not devise evil in your hearts against one another.’ “ (Zechariah 7:8-10 NASB) 

I don’t know these young ladies, but they practiced kindness all day that day.   And then they practiced it again a couple days later when they took Jett out for an afternoon of fun.  

Chesed.

Loving-kindness.