Verse: Ruth 1:8
May the Lord show you kindness, as you have shown kindness
Devotion
In the beginning of the book of Ruth in the Old Testament, Naomi speaks this blessing over her daughters-in-law Orpah and Ruth: “May the Lord show you kindness.” The Hebrew word here for Kindness is “Chesed” which means more than just being “nice.” It has a deeper meaning that includes treating someone with a loyal and steadfast love that is generous, strong, and determined. It is this incredibly powerful word in the Old Testament that God himself uses to describe himself in Exodus 34:6-7, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness (Chesed).”
So here is the devotional thought for this morning: how has the Lord shown you this kind of kindness? How has the Lord shown you “Chesed?” He says of himself that he is abounding with it. He is abounding with loyal love that is steadfast over time and through trials. It is loyal even in the face of our sin and disobedience. When we turn our back on him, he remains in Chesed Love and Kindness with and towards us. How has God shown you that kind of kindness? How has he not given up on you? How has he remained steadfast even when you haven’t? How has he pursued you?
Turning the word over a little, how has he been generous with you? How has his kindness been shown to you through his generosity? Has he blessed you with people in your life you love? Has he been generous in the way he’s cared for you when you’ve been hurting?
Another aspect of this word is that it is unearned favor. How has God shown you this kind of kindness? How has he been good to you in your life when you didn’t earn it or deserve it? Be specific. Can you think of a specific way that God has shown you this kind of kindness?
“May the Lord show you kindness.” This is my prayer this morning for all of us. That we would spend some time this morning noticing the kindness of God in our lives.
Prayer
Thank you for your kindness in my life. I pray you’d open my eyes to see it more and more.
Author: Christian Dunn
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