Kindness
There is a Hebrew word that occurs around 250 times in the Old Testament - it is hesed. The KJV often uses the word 'lovingkindness' to translate it. The NRSV uses 'steadfast love'. But there are many other words that are used for it - 'graciousness', 'kindness', 'unfailing love', and 'mercy'. They are all used to translate hesed.
This wonderful word is used for one of the characteristics of God - you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love (Nehemiah 9:17). Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old (Psalm 25:6).
But maybe it is Jeremiah who speaks directly to each one of us, challenging us to reflect on the everlasting covenanted lovingkindness of the Lord. Thus says the Lord: Do not let the wise boast in their wisdom, do not let the mighty boast in their might, do not let the wealthy boast in their wealth; but let those who boast boast in this, that they understand and know me, that I am the Lord; I act with steadfast love, justice and righteousness in the earth, for in these things I delight, says the Lord (Jeremiah 9:23-24).
And Jeremiah calls us each day to reflect that 'the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23).
So it is a word with mighty eternal resonances of meaning. But it is also a very ordinary word for everyday living, the word used by Naomi to praise her daughters-in-law: 'You have dealt kindly with the dead and with me'. The book of Ruth is full of ordinary kindnesses, words of kindness and deeds of kindness. Naomi is kind to Ruth and Orpah; Ruth is kind to Naomi; Boaz is kind to his workers and to Ruth; the neighbours are kind to Naomi.
Warmed by the loving kindness of our merciful and gracious God, we are called to be kind to anybody at any time, for the fruit of the Spirit is... kindness.
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