Chesed / Annette Taylor / November 7, 2021.pdf

The sermon's title, "Chesed," refers to the Hebrew word for "steadfast love." The story of Ruth is one of the most beautiful in the Bible, and it begins with Naomi, her husband Elimelech, and their two sons fleeing famine in Judah for Moab. After Elimelech and their sons die, Naomi is left alone with her two Moabite daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, who are all widows in a culture cruel to unmarried women. Naomi encourages them to return to their families, but Ruth refuses to leave, saying "Where you go, I will go... Your people will be my people, and your God, my God." These words speak of a love that goes beyond romantic or sisterly love, and is described as chesed.

The story of Ruth demonstrates three characteristics of chesed: expressed through actions, caring about the needs of others, and devotion that goes above and beyond what is expected. A similar story of chesed is that of Robin Rickards, a Canadian veteran who worked tirelessly to bring his Afghan interpreter, Abdul Jamy Kohistany, to safety in Canada.

Chesed is the antidote for fear and distrust, and involves choosing connection, understanding, and empathy instead of anger and separation. It includes actions such as giving to the poor, offering hospitality to strangers, and making peace with neighbors. By choosing chesed, we put into practice the love of God, and it is possible to love in this way because God loves us first.