“Chesed” is the Hebrew word which means “loyalty” in English. “Chesed” is lovingkindness, steadfastness, mercy, faithfulness, loyalty. Last month I wrote about God’s faithfulness. Today I write about people’s faithfulness. Oh, that word “loyalty”. Is it lost while in survival mode in this earthly life and forgotten in this me-myself-and-I selfish society? With the current political climate and personal turmoil unrelated to politics I seek the meaning to the word “loyalty”. According to the dictionary “loyalty is the state or quality of being faithful, dedicated, and steadfast in your support of a person, group, country, institution, or ideal. It means standing by someone or something through changing conditions or difficult times rather than abandoning them.” But what does the Holy Scripture say about loyalty?
I found this helpful online list of scriptures from What Does the Bible Say About Loyalty? These are the words to address what I am dealing with in my own life. How about yours?
“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things,” ~ 1 Corinthians 13:7 ESV. Lord, help me with this.
“Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart.” ~ Proverbs 3:3 NLT. Let my heart lead me with Your heart, my God.
“If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. ~ Matthew 18:15 NLT. I have gone to this person, yet he sees no sin. Now what? Lord, show me if I am in error. Convict this other person if the error is theirs.
“Iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” ~ Proverbs 27:17 NLT. Let this friend sharpen me as I sharpen my friend. Mutual respect.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” ~ Galatians 5:22-23 ESV. As I live with You and Your will, let Your fruits resonate in my life.
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” ~ 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NIV. With watchful eyes, let me stay true to what You have called me to, and keep me strong while reflecting Your love.
Now, let these words become life as I meditate on them, and then live them.
