Lovingkindness
Message for AMC Pastor Anniversary
A pastor is a spiritual overseer for a group of believers. As a spiritual overseer, he must ensure that the spiritual development of believers will continue toward the path of maturity in both wisdom and knowledge. In other words, the pastor has a call to draw people closer to God. One of the methods that Pastor Vince Brown accomplishes such a mission is through lovingkindness. When the Apostle John writes his three epistles I, II, III John while continuing his pastoral work in Ephesus, he demonstrates intimacy to the fellow believers. Notice how he pens I John 3:18:
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and truth.
He addresses the believers as little children, not to humiliate or belittle them, but to speak of their submission in their daily walk as children surrendering to the lovingkindness of a Heavenly Father. Then, he warns them of declaring their love by mouth only. What lips proclaim, your life must support. In other words, if we love with action and truth, we will reassure our hearts because the following verse states, And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. (I John 3:19) Even when our hearts condemn us unjustifiably, God will give us peace and assurance. Because John states, Beloved, if our heart condemns us not, then have we confidence toward God. (I John 3:21) Godly peace is inner tranquility regardless of external circumstances. Therefore, when we serve others with lovingkindness, God will calm your heart despite the turmoil around you.
King David provides us a demonstration of lovingkindness, as noted below.
David asked, “Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” (2 Samuel 9:1)
The term used in Hebrew is hesed when referring to love in the Bible. Hesed is the unfailing love of God. Hesed is not just a feeling but an action. Hesed comes to one’s rescue. Since one word in the English language cannot translate the whole meaning of Hesed, we try to use two words, lovingkindness, to demonstrate tenderness and consideration toward others. Notice that lovingkindness to always directed toward someone else. One cannot establish lovingkindness from a selfish motive.
Mephibosheth (muh-fi-buh-sheth) was the son of Jonathan, grandson of King Saul. According to the biblical narrative, Mephibosheth was five years old when both his father and grandfather died at the Battle of Mount Gilboa. In 2 Samuel 4:4, you will note that Jonathan, son of Saul, had a son who was lame in both feet. He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel. His nurse picked him up and fled, but as she hurried to leave, he fell and became disabled.
Therefore, King David demonstrated lovingkindness to Jonathan’s house through Mephibosheth by giving him all that belonged to his grandfather Saul and seating him at the king’s table.
9 And the king called to Ziba, Saul’s servant, and said to him, “I have given to your master’s son all that belonged to Saul and all his house. 10 You, therefore, and your sons and your servants, shall work the land for him, and you shall bring in the harvest, that your master’s son may have food to eat. But Mephibosheth, your master’s son shall eat bread at my table always.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.
(2 Samuel 9:9-10)
Lovingkindness is not merely an emotion or feeling but involves action. Lovingkindness inspires mercy and compassion. Mephibosheth did not deserve David’s lovingkindness because he was part of the household of his enemy, Saul. Yet, David demonstrated lovingkindness to him despite the tradition of other kings and rulers.
King David’s example of lovingkindness is still relevant for us today. We demonstrate lovingkindness to those who cannot do the same for us, like fatherless or widows and marginalized people. If we as believers lack in lovingkindness, particularly within the body of Christ, will we become unfaithful stewards for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ? Like David, we must demonstrate lovingkindness toward others.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies…” (Psalm 103:3-4 NKJV)
Shall Your lovingkindness be declared in the grave? Or Your faithfulness in the place of destruction? (Psalm 88:11)
The Passion Translation reads Who can give thanks for your love in the graveyard?
A man was traveling alone in a deserted place and became very thirsty. He noticed a vacated water pump, so he stopped to get some water. He pumped to no avail, and then he noticed a sign and glass of water. The sign read, pour the water on the pump to get more water and refill the glass after drinking for the next person. So he had a choice to consume the glass of water or waste the glass of the pump. By faith, he obeyed the sign and poured the water on the pump. When he pulled the lever, water came out in abundance. So he drank and refilled the glass for the next person.
Often in rural areas where people obtain water from a water pump, they are familiar with priming the pump. They understand that water flushed back into the pump will create the pressure needed to begin pumping again. Since God is Love, we are priming the pump for more love to abound when we exercise lovingkindness toward others.
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and truth.