What is the difference between being nice and being kind?

In this reflection on Psalm 138, John Ortberg explores one of the most beautiful biblical ideas: God's loving kindness.

Why does Scripture constantly praise God for His kindness but never describe Him as "nice"? What is the difference? And how might understanding God's kindness transform the way we live?

This episode explores:
- Psalm 138 and God's loving kindness
- The Hebrew idea of hesed
- Niceness versus kindness
- Compassion, courage, and truth-telling
- Naomi Shihab Nye's poem Kindness
- The Incarnation as God's ultimate act of kindness

Featuring reflections on:
- Naomi Shihab Nye
- Cecil Rhodes

Scriptures:
- Psalm 138
- Philippians 2
- John 13

#Psalm138 #JohnOrtberg #Kindness #LovingKindness #Prayer #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #Hesed #Psalms


📚 Today's Resources:
Naomi Shihab Nye, “Kindness”

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00:00 God Is Kind, Not Merely Nice
00:29 Psalm 138 & Loving Kindness
01:28 The Meaning of Hesed
01:48 Miles Coverdale & "Loving Kindness"
02:23 Nice vs. Kind
03:02 God Looks Kindly on the Lowly
04:01 Kindness in a Difficult Season
05:06 Naomi Shihab Nye's Poem "Kindness"
06:01 Before You Know What Kindness Is
07:30 Kindness, Sorrow & Compassion
08:01 Only Kindness Makes Sense Anymore
08:49 Receiving and Offering Kindness
09:14 The Story of Cecil Rhodes
10:14 The Incarnation as Kindness
10:49 Jesus Wore Our Clothes
11:16 A Prayer for Kindness