Love Kindness

Stop.

As you breathe in, say “Filled with compassion”. As you breathe out, say “Sharing God’s love”. Repeat as many times as necessary.

Listen.

[God] has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? – Micah 6:8

Reflect.

This week, we will focus on this one verse from Micah in each devotion. We’ll look at one piece of God’s instructions each day. Today, we’ll look at God’s command to love kindness.

In Micah 6:8, the word the NRSV translates “kindness” is the Hebrew word hesed, which is frequently translated “mercy”, as in Psalm 23:6: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life”.

Kindness here is more than just being nice to someone. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Being nice often means avoiding conflict for its own sake. Kindness or mercy can be offered in the midst of conflict. When we love kindness, as Micah demands, we love an honesty and openness to God’s will and the needs of others that make us compassionate and gracious. We live not out of our own self-interest but grounded in the joy that comes with true honesty and love.

When we love kindness, we don’t love it for its own sake. We don’t love it because we want to try to dodge hard times and tough conversations. We love kindness because, like mercy, it helps us see all people as God’s own beloved children, worthy of equity and honesty.

Pray.

Turn my heart, God. Make it like yours, filled with true kindness and mercy. Pull me from my selfishness and anxiety and make me into one who preaches your word and serves your people in Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

Carry On.

Where do you need to be truly kind today? How will you leave niceness aside and instead claim mercy, love, and truth?