What is Hesed Love of Securely Attached Communities?
❤HESED❤ (חֶ֖סֶד, pronounced kheh-sed”) is a Hebrew word we find 246 times in the Old Testament. Like many Hebrew words, it’s difficult to capture the meaning in just one word. HESED is translated using the words mercy, loving kindness, steadfast love, kindness, loyal love. Theologian John Oswalt said HESED is “… a completely undeserved kindness and generosity”.
“I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love (hesed) and in mercy. I will betroth you to me in faithfulness. And you shall know the Lord. (Hosea 2:19-20 ESV)
Hesed is the glue that bonds people together in a deep love; relationships not bonded by fear, but by secure and loving attachments. Hesed is God’s love in action, it is what God’s love looks like and how it shows up.
When we cultivate securely attached communities bonded in love that is fueled by joy, we will transition our community from a group of loosely connected people to a group deeply bonded by love. And this community is a place where we are safe to be vulnerable, we are free to show up as ourselves, and are truly glad to be with one another.
😬❤ What excites you about this potential reality? What is one step you can take to bring God’s hesed love into your tribe and group?