The Lord has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you. But to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8).

Scripture teaches to “put on kindness” like a garment to wear (Colossians 5:12); yet we can change our garment of kindness into selfishness and pride pretty quickly. We also learn that the Holy Spirit working within us brings out the fruit of kindness (Galatians 5:22); yet sometimes our fruit is less sincere and under-ripe. Throughout scripture we see how the kindness of God is demonstrated and extended kindness to others.

Here, in Micah we are instructed that we are to “love kindness” or “mercy” in the KJV. The Hebrew word checed is translated to mercy, goodness, faithfulness and frequently used to describe God as lovingkindness. Notice how Moses, the writer of Exodus, described the LORD’s presence and proclamation.

Then the LORD passed by in front of Moses and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness (checed) and truth; who keeps lovingkindness (checed)” (Exodus 34:6)

In other words, checed is an attribute or character of God’s presence. Thus, kindness is our presence, our personality, and the essence of our spirit  Checed is not based on a mood, emotion, action or attitude. Instead it should be so greatly ingrained within us that spills out continuously onto others.