Elul 22
Kindness
“And become useful and helpful and kind to
one another…” (Eph 4:32 AMPC)
Most
translations simply use the word ‘kind’ in this verse; however, the Amplified
Bible has the most accurate translation of the Greek word found here. The word is chrēstos (Strong’s G5543), and means
useful, virtuous, good, pleasant, kind and benevolent. For some of us, that may be a tall order to
fill.
Our
modern dictionaries define ‘kind’ in much the same way: “of a good or benevolent nature or
disposition, as a person: a kind and
loving person; having, showing, or proceeding from benevolence: kind words; indulgent, considerate, or
helpful; humane (often followed by to): to
be kind to animals; mild, gentle, clement: kind weather”[1]. The opposite of ‘kind’ is cruel, and if the
truth were to be told, this sometimes violent display of character is what is
most common in our world today. Simple
acts of kindness are so few and far between; I cannot help but wonder what has
happened to the light that we are all
supposed to be shining.
Chêsêd (Strong’s H2617) is one of the
Hebrew words that has been translated as ‘kind’, or ‘loving kindness’, and the word is rich in meaning. Chêsêd
deals with how we relate to one another, most specifically by doing random acts
of kindness to and for each other. In
other words, chêsêd implies some
sort of action, something that is done from an attitude of benevolence, love,
and a sincere desire to be of help and assistance.
Have we,
as children of Elohim, lost sight of this?
Walking Torah is just that: it is
a walk, consisting of continual
forward motion. Included within this
walk are these random acts of kindness, outward expressions of our inward
relationship with our Creator. Have we
ceased to look for opportunities to convey our desire to be kind? Or have we
become so selfish and self-centered, that we have no intentions of being kind
and helpful to anyone, not even those who are like-minded Torah keepers?
I would
like to issue a challenge to all of
us – myself included – to do at least
one random act of kindness each and every day.
This is not meant to be an attempt to ‘keep score’. It is more of an endeavor to be that light we are supposed to be, to be that conduit that reveals the
love, compassion, and chêsêd of our
Father.
Amein.
“He has declared to you, O man, what is
good. And what does יהוה require
of you but to do right, and to LOVE KINDNESS, and to walk humbly with your
Elohim?” (Mic 6:8 ISR, emphasis mine)
©2018
No comments:
Post a Comment