FOLLOW “tsedakah” AND “hesed”

The God of the Bible, expects His people to follow *”tsedakah”* and *”hesed”* – which are one of the most important and closest things to YAHWEH’s heart. In following them, we as His children, His disciples, and His ambassadors, find all what we need, for our lives. 
– ’21 He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.” – Proverbs 21:21

1- TSEDAKAH – RIGHTEOUSNESS
Tzedakah is a Hebrew word for helping someone in need. It is firmly based on, righteousness and justice. Helping others is considered, an intentional act of generosity and justice. Tzedakah is a binding obligation, upon Israel, with YAHWEH, their God, to help bring fairness to the world, because they are His Chosen People. The same applies to Christians, as His disciples and ambassadors – 1 Peter 2:9-10.

TSEDAKAH is not CHARITY – Tzedakah originates from the Hebrew root Tzadei-Dalet-Qof, which means justice. Charity, on the other hand is, an act of benevolence.  Tzedakah is described as “Doing what is righteous.”
– “…tsedakah is conduct proceeding from the principle of self-denying and compassionate love, which is the essence of the law, Micah 6:8;” – Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament

2- HESED – MERCY
Hesed is mercy. However it is much deeper and wider than the English word, mercy. Theologian John Oswalt says, 
– “…hesed is a completely undeserved kindness and generosity.”
This is seen in the words of the LORD spoken through His prophet Isaiah…
– “Though the mountains be shaken, and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love (hesed) for you will not be shaken.” – Isaiah 54:10
– “Hesed is not just a feeling, but an action. It “intervenes on behalf of loved ones and comes to their rescue.” – Lois Tverberg
– “…hesed is conduct proceeding from sympathy, which, placing itself in the room of another, perceives what will benefit him, and sets about doing it…” – Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament

How do these two words, “tsedakah” and “hesed” play out in our lives? How faithfully are we, in following righteousness, justice towards all the people equally and fairly? Are we following kindness and mercy, in a demonstrable and tangible manner, to the utterly undeserving people in our lives? 

Let us never ever forget that, “tsedakah” and “hesed” are very very important to the God of the Bible. He expects them to see the same, in our thoughts, words and deeds. He expects them because, these two words are the essence of who YAHWEH is, and they are the very character of God of the Bible. Therefore, as His children and His disciples, it is but normal for us to have the very same character, as our Father.

Let us sincerely seek the LORD, to help us faithfully follow “tsedakah” and “hesed” in our lives, uncompromisingly and without diluting it. Even so, the LORD help us.