SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1284

“Lovingkindness”

The Lord appeared to him from afar, saying, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore, I have drawn you with lovingkindness. – Jeremiah 31:3 (NASB 1995)

Lovingkindness. It is a word that we do not often use in our everyday language. Translated from the Hebrew word, ‘Hesed’ it conveys faithful love in action. It is a tenderness and consideration of others.

God’s Hesed denotes His persistent and unconditional tenderness, kindness, mercy, devotion, and steadfast love. It is His lovingkindness that draws us to Him. Therefore, I have drawn you with lovingkindness. – Jeremiah 31:3

We use the word, ‘love’ in such a manner today that it has become watered down and devoid of meaning. We say we love our spouse. We also say we love our car and pizza. The word Hesed (Hebrew) and its equivalent ‘Charis’ (Greek) take the meaning of love to a deeper, demonstrable level. Lovingkindness is love in action. Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection demonstrate God’s lovingkindness.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16

Jesus demonstrated lovingkindness throughout His ministry and set an example for us at the Last Supper.

When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? … If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. – John 13:12-15

We must do more than give a Valentine’s Day card, flowers, and a box of chocolate to show our love to our spouse. Lovingkindness must be demonstrated 24/7, 365 days/year through caring, consideration, tenderness, and forgiveness. Our love must be real and evident in everyday actions.

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” – John 13:34-35

The fruit of the Spirit must be evident in our daily lives. The synergy of the fruit of the Spirit becomes demonstrable lovingkindness toward others.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness – Galatians 5:22

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. – Colossians 3:12-13

May the lovingkindness of the Lord bless you and others through you.