Resting in God's Love: An Advent StorySample

HESED

In Hebrew, the word hesed is found throughout the Old Testament, often translated as lovingkindness, mercy, steadfast love, or loving devotion. It is hard to capture in just one word the overwhelming kindness of God toward His creation, specifically, the people He has lovingly, creatively, and uniquely made. The hesed of God is seen from start to finish, from Genesis to Revelation, in His grand story of redemption. The climax of that story is Jesus.

Ask Yourself:

-Try to define the hesed of God in words- what adjectives, phrases, metaphors, or images will you use?

-How have you seen, experienced, or felt the hesed of the Lord in your own life?

-How does Christmas highlight God’s hesed? In what way can you intentionally celebrate God’s love this Christmas season?

Pause to Pray: (ACTS method)

Adoration- Meditate on one aspect of God’s love.

Confession- Confess an area in which you take God’s love for granted.

Thanksgiving- Thank God for His faithfulness in a specific area of your life.

Supplication (Say what you need)- Ask God for help in expressing His love to others.