Gemilut Hasadim Pt 1

Gemilut Hasadim (The Practice of Loving Others)

Gemmilut Hasadim, the practice of loving-kindness, focuses more on sincere concern, actions, time, and attention (Ps 41:2) rather than simply the giving of money. It falls under Lev 19:18, You shall love your fellow as yourself, and 1 Cor 13 where the Apostle Paul wrote about our biblical expression of love.

Remember that even the smallest expressions of loving-kindness (gemilut hasadim) have the power to lift up or save someone’s life and/or spiritual walk. Whether they are sacrificially given or not they are powerful. Many times, loving-kindness is expressed in both large and small ways and simply equates to sharing life with another and being there, especially in significant moments.

While at work, a minister passed someone on the fifth floor of a large structure. He entered an elevator to go down while the other person was exiting the elevator presumably to work. As the minister passed the other worker he simply said, “You know that Jesus loves you, right?” He entered the elevator going down to the ground floor and did not think any more about it. Later the person he passed came down and confessed that he went up to the top of the structure to commit suicide and the minister’s simple comment stopped him and gave him enough hope to pause and realize that God really did care.

It is in the rallying around those in our sacred community in births, weddings, funerals, and sickness when we impart support and strength. It is in cooking for those who are new to our circle and welcoming them. It is in supporting those in tragedy, trial, and weakness so that in our community no one is ever truly alone. It is about helping the single moms who made mistakes, the paroles reentering society, helping the homeless, or just being a listening nonjudgmental ear when someone is alone. It is about encouraging those who have given up and investing in their sense of hope. If our communities are to be a spiritual hospitals, gemilut hasadim is not just a program, it is a lifestyle and culture we must pursue.

Some people are very sacrificial but like to serve and give in the global, corporate body. They prefer serving in programs as opposed to doing things individually. Some are more comfortable in serving and giving in this capacity. Whether how we interact and give of our person is globally or more personally, the sacred community flourishes and faith abounds. Love abounds person to person as we give ourselves to one another and engage in edification, support, and collaborative efforts.

The sages have stated that the level of involvement is related to the degree of kindness. Lack of involvement for a congregation is simply neglect. Some congregations have a reputation in the community of being harsh, cold, and legalistic even to the point of people cringing when the name of the congregation is mentioned. The practice of gemilut hasadim helps congregations have the reputation of being able to help the hurting.

The perspective of personal involvement is also how God deals with us. God not only provides for us, but he also gives us his very person (Ezek 36:25-27, Acts 2:4) and is a part of every detail of our lives. His loving-kindness is not cold and distant. It is intimate, personal, and full of mercy just like a father cares for his children and looks after them. When God’s people emulate his love, we will bring others to a priceless truth that is life-changing and great revival will happen.

Rav Calev Lehrer Apostolic Messianic International-Gulf Coast Locales, Rumble, Parler, Facebook