Hesed: The word you use, just didn't know it
HESED is defined as --- Lovingkindness, Unfailing love, a steadfast covenant love expressed through mercy, loyalty, and faithful action. No single English word fully captures its meaning
Today we are going to see HESED in three places: in the character of God, in the redeeming work of Jesus, and in the way God calls His people to love one another. My prayer is that we will not only understand this word but also experience it and put it into practice.
HESED always has work clothes on. As one writer described it: "HESED is love with its sleeves rolled up." God's HESED is not simply something He feels.
He demonstrates his love…
He rescues.
He forgives.
He provides.
He restores.
He redeems
Psalm 136 itself repeats it 26 times: “His HESED endures forever.”
The repetition is intentional. Israel was meant to remember:
God's love endured through slavery.
God's love endured through the wilderness.
God's love endured through failure.
God's love endured through generations.
Love is patient, kind, not jealous, does not brag and is not arrogant nor does love keep account of wrong doings, but rejoices in truth, is confident, has hope and endures. Love never fails… But now faith, hope, and love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love. AMEN
1. Covenant Identity — HESED is the glue of the covenant.
2. Assurance of Salvation — Believers rest on God’s HESED, not their own performance.
3. Foundation for Forgiveness — God forgives because His HESED is greater than human sin.
4. Model for Christian Love — We love others with the same loyal, sacrificial, mercy‑filled love God shows us.
HESED Points Us to Jesus
At the cross:
Justice and mercy meet.
Faithfulness and grace meet.
Covenant promises find their fulfillment.
We are to follow the example of Christ…so I ask.
Is your love dependable?
Are you faithful when it costs something?
Do you show kindness to those who can't repay you?
Do you keep your word?
Do people experience God's HESED through you?
The church should be one of the greatest displays of HESED in the world.