Mitchel begins with the theme of loyalty, illustrated by Samwise Gamgee’s unwavering devotion to Frodo in The Lord of the Rings. Sam’s persistence, even when Frodo falters, reflects the kind of steadfast love described in Psalm 25.
The psalm highlights God’s hesed—a Hebrew word often translated as steadfast love, mercy, loving-kindness, or loyal love. This word appears hundreds of times in the Old Testament and speaks to God’s covenantal commitment to His people. Unlike human covenants, God’s covenant with Abraham required nothing in return; God’s loyalty flows from His very nature. Later, through Moses, God called His people to respond by living faithfully, caring for the vulnerable, and choosing righteousness over wickedness.
Mitchel reflects honestly on human failure to uphold this covenant. Like the psalmist, he admits struggling with defensiveness, pride, and selfishness—choosing personal comfort or security over God’s way. We all fall short. Yet the psalm reminds us that when we are unfaithful, God remains faithful. Like Sam carrying Frodo up Mount Doom, God carries us when we cannot go on.
The key, Mitchel stresses, is humility. Psalm 25:9 says, “He leads the humble in what is right and teaches the humble his way.” Defensiveness—the instinct to protect our pride, shut down others’ perspectives, or double down on our own correctness—prevents us from receiving God’s love or extending love to others. This is true in personal relationships, in social debates, and in politics. Defensiveness fractures, while humility opens us to God’s guidance and wholeness.
In closing, Mitchel calls the congregation to respond to God’s loyal love with humility: to set aside defensiveness, to be teachable, and to let God guide every step. The gospel assures us that we do not have to fix ourselves—God’s love and loyalty carry us, even when we fail.