Pastor did share two commentaries on chesed which define this concept that we, as disciples of Jesus Christ, are called to embody. Daniel Block, Biblical professor at Wheaton College defines chesed as "That quality that moves a person to act for the benefit of another without respect to the advantage it might bring to the one who expresses it." Christian author and speaker Carolyn Curtis James said, "Chesed is driven, not by duty or legal obligation, but by a bone-deep commitment--a loyal, selfless love that motivates a person to do voluntarily what no one has a right to expect or ask of them. They have the freedom to act or to walk away without the slightest injury to their reputation. Yet they willingly pour themselves out for the good of someone else."
Chesed, in its simplest form, is being obedient to the Great Commandment (Mark 12:31)--love your neighbor as you love yourself. It is serving others out of a love for them by taking the love that the Father lavishly pours out on us and freely giving it to others. Chesed requires a Christ-like mindset that disregards our own personal status or comfort and says I have not come to be served but to serve and give my life as a ransom for others.
Imagine how great our families, our church, our neighborhoods, our schools and our workplaces would be if each and every man at Ogletown committed to be a chesed man. Imagine if each of us had that bone-deep commitment to loyal and selfless love and a willingness to pour ourselves out solely for the good of others. Are we ready for the challenge?
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