by Pamela Dilmore

The author notes that we are called to make disciples—to inspire, and to encourage others to follow Jesus, and to live according to his teachings. She wonders if we take the call to “make disciples” for granted and points out that in the Greek New Testament, words translated as “disciple,” have constellations of meaning that revolve around following, learning, and teaching. This is a tall order; this is our calling!

by Al Bunis

Since the term “super” is often misused today, describing God as having superabundance, may not have the impact originally intended. However, connecting superabundance to Reformed depictions of both God and humankind may be a good place to start.

by Chris Shelton

“Jesus said: “Let’s take the boat out into deeper waters.” So out they go and then toss their nets into the depths. Suddenly, their nets are full to the point of breaking…. But the story doesn’t end here, for Discipleship begins not when they haul in the abundance–but when they leave it all behind and follow him.

by Henry W. Morisada Rietz

This article examines a debate within the Biblical wisdom tradition, which derives its truths by observing the natural and social world. While many sayings in Proverbs portray the world as operating by the principles of cause and effect, the Teacher in Ecclesiastes charges the reader to experience the superabundance in our daily lives.

by Katharine Doob Sakenfeld

Helpful examples of Cḥesed expressed in human relationships are in the stories of Ruth and Naomi and of David and Jonathan. These help us to understand the fullness of God’s Cḥesed, which is steadfast and therefore abundantly greater than any human expressions.

by Baruch A. Levine

The meaning of Ḥesed has been studied by Sages and scholars since antiquity. It operates on two planes: human-to-human, and human-to-divine, where Ḥesed is an attribute of God. The Hebrew noun Ḥesed has no known etymology; we learn its meaning entirely from context and usage.

by Mark Leuchter

While Ḥesed has different meanings for different situations, here are many instructive examples to help clarify the power of this ancient word that remains useful for contemporary preachers, congregations, and anyone seeking to express deeper relationships with God and one another.

by Douglas S. Stivison

Many Christians believe that Ḥesed is the unconditional love of God despite whatever failings people may have. However, some believe that ḥesed may be part of a covenantal relationship where fulfilling binding pledges is necessary before a covenant is confirmed.

by Brad Embry

While notoriously difficult to translate, ḥesed is often defined as loving kindness or steadfast love; it is also rendered in terms of power and strength as an act of God to deliver the believer from an enemy. It is a word for all seasons for many reasons.

by Jo David

Written by a Rabbi for non-Jewish readers, this piece offers clear explanations of various Jewish religious rites and occasions that deal with the concept of Ḥesed; this is an excellent opportunity for Christian clergy to gain insight into the religion that Jesus followed.

by Åke Viberg

Here Jeremiah is the one to deliver a particular understanding of ḥesed, as expressed in chapters 18 and 19 with the image of a potter who takes a lump of clay and fashions it into whatever shape the potter wishes; if the clay did not turn out as intended, the potter could reshape it with loving attention.

by Phil Ruge-Jones

The author encourages us to communicate with our listeners not only by preaching at them but by drawing them into the Gospel readings through a “you are there” technique of Biblical story telling. How better to demonstrate the Ḥesed of Jesus than a memorable encounter with him?