There is a word in Hebrew, Chesed, that is used to describe God’s love toward us. “The Hebrew word chesed (also spelled hesed) is so packed with meaning that no single word in the English language comes close to defining it. Used 248 times in scripture, this little-known descriptor carries volumes of information about God’s character while providing a glimpse of His redemptive plan through His very nature…Because of His chesed, God promised Israel that He would never leave nor forsake them. God kept His covenant with Israel, but not because they possessed any inherent righteousness. Nor did God hold firm to His promise because Israel consistently kept the law’s commands. The promise’s holding power was based on one thing: who God is. ” taken from Christianity.com, May 2022.
I wanted you to have this background before you read today’s verses. The Apostle Paul tells us that when we accept Christ we become Abraham’s seed, or heirs to the covenant. The chesed or loving-kindness of God is directed toward us when we are in Christ.
It’s so strong on my heart this morning that there are some who are emotionally at a breaking point. You feel that God doesn’t love you, He can’t love you, because of things you’ve done. That’s a lie from the devil! Our heavenly Father is reaching out to you with open arms. This is who God is.
“Hear, O Lord, and answer me. For I am suffering and in need. 2 Keep my life, for I am faithful to You. You are my God. Save Your servant who trusts in You. 3 Show me loving-kindness, O Lord. For I cry to You all day long. 4 Bring joy to Your servant. For I lift up my soul to You, O Lord. 5 For You are good and ready to forgive, O Lord. You are rich in loving-kindness to all who call to You. 6 Hear my prayer, O Lord. Listen to my cry for help. 7 I will call to You in the day of my trouble. For You will answer me. 8 There is no one like You among the gods, O Lord. And there are no works like Yours. 9 All the nations You have made will come and worship before You, O Lord. And they will bring honor to Your name. 10 For You are great and do great things. You alone are God.
11 Teach me Your way, O Lord. I will walk in Your truth. May my heart fear Your name. 12 O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You with all my heart. I will bring honor to Your name forever. 13 For Your loving-kindness toward me is great. And You have saved my soul from the bottom of the grave.
14 O God, proud men have come up against me. A group of fighting men want to take my life. And they do not think of You. 15 But You, O Lord, are a God full of love and pity. You are slow to anger and rich in loving-kindness and truth. 16 Turn to me, and show me loving-kindness. Give Your strength to Your servant. And save the son of your woman servant. 17 Give me something special to see of Your favor. Then those who hate me may see it and be ashamed. Because You, O Lord, have helped me and comforted me.” Psalm 86 NLV
Father, show everyone reading this the depth of Your loving-kindness. Strengthen and comfort them in Jesus name. Amen.