Schadenfreude and Satisfaction in Christ (Part 3)

Most Christians understand that Christ satisfied the justice of God on the cross. That’s basic atonement theology, it’s called satisfaction theory.  But there’s another vital doctrine of satisfaction that often gets far less airtime in churches. It’s the teaching that Christ Himself is the soul’s deepest satisfaction, not just the path to a better life, but the point of life. This doctrine isn’t obscure. In fact, many believers live by it instinctively, even if they’ve never heard it taught clearly. It’s the conviction that relationship with Christ is the soul’s greatest treasure. 

This isn't just theology; it’s spiritual reality. It’s the conviction that knowing Christ isn’t simply the path to something better, He is the better. That’s the heart of Christian spirituality, whether we’re talking monks in the desert or moms in the minivan. In a world that chases satisfaction in everything from status to comfort to spiritual performance, this doctrine meets us with the question: What do you actually want? What truly satisfies your soul?  And before you answer with the Sunday school version, let’s be honest; if Amazon Prime got canceled, some of us would question God's goodness.

A Doctrine for the Thirsty

Picture a man dying of thirst, dragging himself across the desert, parched and desperate. Suddenly, he stumbles upon a sparkling oasis, real water, clean and overflowing. But instead of drinking, he pulls out a few quarters and walks away, searching for a vending machine. Ridiculous, right? Welcome to modern Christianity. Jesus is the fountain of living water, but we keep trying to buy satisfaction from a line of busted vending machines labeled Money, Influence, Comfort, Reputation. We reservedly say we believe in Him, but our joy is often still on backorder. The doctrine of satisfaction in Christ confronts this madness and reminds us that Jesus Himself is not just the giver of good things—He is the good thing. He doesn’t just save you from hell; He satisfies your soul right now. 

Soul’s Satisfaction

The Bible teaches that Christ Himself is the believer’s ultimate treasure, fulfillment, and joy.  He is not merely a means to get to heaven.  He is not just a moral teacher to obey. The Christian is not just saved by Christ but satisfied in Christ. 

1. God is the source of Joy and pleasure. 

“In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” - Psalm 16:11, 

2. God is the Supreme Treasure. 

“Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.” — Psalm 73:25.  

3. Jesus states He Satisfies the Soul

In John 6:35 Jesus states, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.”

     A. Two truths in this verse support Christ's clam.  

1.) Jesus doesn’t say, “I’ll give you the bread of life.” He says, “I am the bread.”  He states He is what satisfies hunger. He is satisfaction. In this way, Christ offers Himself to end the deepest hunger and thirst of the human heart. 

2.) “I am the bread of life” is not just a metaphor. It reveals something essential about Christ’s nature. In the Gospel of John, each of Jesus’ “I am” statements function as an affirmation of His identity as God. Jesus is intentionally echoing the divine self-identification in Exodus 3:14 (God's covenant name). Jesus' claim expresses the same ideas found in Psalm 73:25; and Psalms 16:11, which convey the soul’s desire for God above all else. The truths found in psalms complements the Johannine theme of Christ as the source of ultimate satisfaction. Thus, Jesus is presented as the soul’s supreme treasure and end of human longing.

4. Paul’s value judgment: Paul's response and Ours

“I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”- Philippians 3:8

In Philippians 3:1-6, Paul had all the religious credentials anyone could want, and he threw them aside—not because they were evil, but because Christ was better. Paul didn’t renounce sin. He renounced status. Why? Because knowing Christ personally is worth more than everything else combined. Christ is worth it for He is worthy. 

Growing in Satisfaction is a Process 

Paul’s journey illustrates for us that discipleship also involves a process of reordering our values around Christ. Real discipleship isn't just about polishing your behavior or upgrading your theology. It involves those things but also deals with a radical reevaluation of your treasures around Jesus. The stuff that once gave Paul his religious street cred, his background, accomplishments, and religious résumé, he tossed in the dumpster compared to knowing Christ. Why? Because discipleship isn’t just “do better, try harder.” It’s about letting go of all the shiny things that compete with Jesus in your heart and learning to treasure Him as the only thing worth clinging to.

The church proclaims a gospel that calls us to be satisfied in Christ—but let’s be honest: our hearts are restless, distracted, and spiritually ADD. The good news? You’re not left to fight your idol-factory heart on your own. The Holy Spirit is constantly at work in you, spotlighting the beauty of Jesus so you can finally rest in Him. But here’s the kicker—you still have to cooperate. That means facing the idols you’ve made cozy little homes for and dragging them into the light. Discipleship is heart surgery, not behavior modification. If Paul had to reevaluate his inner life in light of Christ, what makes us think we get to skip that part? When this doctrine is neglected, peoples approach to Christianity is off center. Christ is seen as the gateway to something else—whether peace, family harmony, purpose, spiritual experience, or simply a better version of life. But here’s the correction: Christ Himself is the goal. Christ is not your ticket to a better life. He is the life. He is not how we get eternal life, He is eternal life. As Jesus said, “This is eternal life: that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3). [1] So let’s stop using Jesus to get what we want and start wanting Jesus for who He is. He’s not the middleman. He’s the prize. That is what the doctrine of satisfaction in Christ teaches us. 

So What does this have to do with Schadenfreude? 

The sinful impulse of Schadenfreude,[2] can’t be fixed by good manners or surface-level restraint. It runs deeper than behavior and can only be healed at the level of the heart. Because it’s a heart issue, it requires a heart-level remedy. At the center of that healing is a deep, lasting satisfaction in Christ. Only an abiding satisfaction in Christ can uproot the pride, insecurity, and comparison that fuel Schadenfreude.  So Let’s explore how the pursuit of satisfaction in Christ equips us to resist the three main types of Schadenfreude.  

1. Satisfaction in Christ Undermines group pride 

Aggression-based Schadenfreude thrives in group identity: “Our church is bigger,” “Our denomination is more faithful,” “Our theology is better” But if your core identity is rooted in Christ, you don’t need your group to win for you to feel secure. This type of Schadenfreude is all about group pride. “our tribe is more relevant,” “our small group is more biblical.” This is high school clique culture in theological robes. But here’s the thing: if your identity is securely rooted  in Christ, you no longer need your church or your group to win in order to feel secure. Paul reminds us in Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Christ frees us from needing our group to dominate, because our truest identity isn’t “Reformed” or “Southern Baptist” or “Charismatic”. It’s “beloved child of God.” You’re not better than them. You’re in a family with them.  If we’re truly satisfied in Christ. If we have embraced that we are accepted, loved, and treasured by Jesus, then the fall of another church won’t make us feel any taller. We’ll mourn their loss, not measure our worth against their brokenness. 

2. Satisfaction in Christ Breaks the Grip of personal competition

Rivalry-based Schadenfreude is nothing more than envy wearing a choir robe. This kind is rooted in personal competition. We compare ourselves to others—especially those who seem more gifted, more liked, more successful. And when they fall, we feel like we caught up. But that’s a trap. It’s the very thing Paul rebukes in 1 Corinthians 4:7: “What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you did not?” When you’re satisfied in Christ, you don’t need to outperform other Christians. You rejoice that Jesus has made all of us co-heirs with Him. You realize that the kingdom of God is not a talent show or a popularity contest, it’s a family. And when one member stumbles, the rest of the body feels the pain, not pleasure. A soul that is truly satisfied in Christ can celebrate another’s success and grieve another’s failure, not because you’re trying to be nice, but because you’ve stopped using other people as mirrors. Your joy is rooted in Jesus, not your ranking. So when someone falls, you will hurt with them. Because you’re not looking in their direction for validation anymore. You’re looking at Jesus, who already gave you all the acceptance you’ll ever need. 

3. Satisfaction in Christ Purifies Our Desire for Justice

Justice-based Schadenfreude is tricky. It feels righteous. When someone does evil and gets caught, there’s a real sense of moral order being restored. And let’s be clear: Justice is good. God is just. Wrongdoing must be addressed. Yet we can affirm the need for justice without delighting in someone’s downfall. Satisfaction in Christ protects our hearts from becoming gleeful executioners. Why? Because when you’re resting in Christ—when you’ve tasted His mercy—you know that if justice alone had its way, you’d be condemned too. It was your sin that nailed Jesus to the cross. He bore the wrath meant for you. So when someone else receives just consequences, we can affirm God’s righteousness without rejoicing in another’s ruin. Satisfaction in Christ gives us a soft heart even in hard moments. Like Paul says in Romans 12:19–21: “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God… Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:19 isn’t subtle: Leave vengeance to God. Because He knows how to handle it without ruining His heart. You don’t. 

The Cross Kills Schadenfreude by Brings Joy

Here’s the gospel truth: At the cross, there’s no room to gloat. True satisfaction in Christ begins with this reality: everything we have is grace. Every blessing we enjoy is a mercy we didn’t earn. Every sin, yours, mine, and theirs, was paid for with blood. He took the hit so we should not have to and then rose again to give us new life. Such good news should move us to thankfully treasure Christ.  

When Christ is your treasure, you don’t need someone else to destroy their ministry in order to feel full. Heart-level satisfaction in Jesus grows when we stop playing the starring role in our own little stories and instead get swept up in His. We were made to give ourselves away, on mission with God, together with His people. You already have everything you need in Him. And that, friends, is what kills the smug satisfaction of Schadenfreude.

In other words, we don’t find satisfaction by watching others stumble; we find it by following together the One who stooped low to lift us all. When the cross shapes your heart, you don’t say, “They had it coming.” You say, “I had it coming too. And Jesus took it for me. Lord, have mercy on us both.” That’s how satisfied hearts become humble hearts. 

Footnotes 

[1] Eternal life is never detached from Christ’s life. It is the relational life of christ, we share with him by way of our union with him. The theological logic is as follows; Jesus through His atoning work by faith alone we gain union with christ, by virtue of our union with Christ we have the life of Christ. Through the new birth, We are bought us into an eternal kind of life: the relational life Christ shares with the Father. Eternal life isn’t just some future upgrade, it’s the relational life of knowing the Father through the Son. It is the relational life of the trinity itself and this is what Jesus died to bring you into it.

[2] In case you forgot Schadenfreude means the pleasure we feel at someone else’s downfall 

Schadenfreude and the Church (part 2)

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” - Romans 12:15

Let’s be honest for a moment. Have you ever found yourself secretly glad when that church down the road had a scandal? Or when that preacher you always thought was too flashy, too proud, or too popular, got knocked off his platform? Maybe it was a fellow believer who got humbled after being, shall we say, a little too loud about their blessings on Instagram. And somehow, deep down, it made you feel a little better about your own spiritual standing. That feeling has a name. It’s called Schadenfreude, a German word that means “harm-joy,” or the experience of pleasure in someone else’s downfall. It shows up early in human development (as early as age two!), and unfortunately, it sticks around, especially in our churches.

Now, before you shift uncomfortably in your pew or click away from conviction, let me say this: Schadenfreude might be normal, but it isn’t holy. It may be common, but it’s not Christian. And if we don’t confront it, it can rot the soul of a congregation like termites in the church beams, unseen until the collapse.

When “Our Church” is Better Than Yours

This first form is called Aggression-Based Schadenfreude. It is the result of hanging everything on group identity. In other words: “We’re the good church, the faithful church, the theologically sound church, the relevant church and they’re not.” So when they go through hardship, declining attendance, moral failure, budget collapse, or theological controversy, we secretly smile. “See? God’s not blessing them anymore.” This is tribalism, not Christianity. It’s the spirit of Edom in the book of Obadiah, who stood aloof and laughed when Judah fell. It’s the Pharisee in Luke 18 who prays, “God, I thank you that I am not like this tax collector.” 

It’s also the early seed of racism, denominational pride, or spiritual bigotry, when our “in-group” defines righteousness by comparison, not by Christ. This form of Schadenfreude loves it when those people get humbled, because it reinforces our illusion of superiority. Like in theological disputes, when a believers rejoice not in truth, but in the humiliation of their opponents. The “gotcha” moment becomes more important than the Gospel because it wins you points with your group. We must repent of such theological warfare that celebrates wounding the other side. Speak truth but do it with tears, not with triumphs.

Brothers and sisters, if your gospel only works for your group, it’s not the gospel. The gospel tears down dividing walls (Eph 2:14), not erects them.

When I Just Want to Win

The second form is called Rivalry-Based Schadenfreude. This is Schadenfreude on a personal level, not church vs. church, but Christian vs. Christian. This is when someone in your Bible study, ministry team, or social circle seems to be “winning” at life, more spiritual success, better reputation, better stage presence, and you feel small in comparison. So when they experience public embarrassment, moral slip-up, or theological correction, you feel a disturbing sense of satisfaction. “Well, I guess they weren’t as holy as they looked.”

This, friend, is the Corinthian disease. Paul rebukes it in 1 Corinthians 1 when some were saying, “I follow Paul,” “I follow Apollos,” “I follow Cephas,” and the really spiritual ones said, “I follow Christ” which is the spiritual equivalent of saying “I don’t watch any YouTubers except Jesus”, yet somehow still posting that on YouTube. 

Schadenfreude here is driven by insecurity masked as discernment. We’re not rejoicing in truth, we’re rejoicing that we’re not the ones who slipped. But let’s remember: “If not for the grace of God, there go I.  Rivalry-based Schadenfreude is nothing more than sanctified envy wearing a choir robe.

More than most, those in ministry are in danger of this one.  For example if a ministry leader’s friend has a new book getting attention. Instead of rejoicing, they smile and give public platitude while secretly hoping it fails. This is not Christ-like leadership,  it's listening to Cain whispering from the pew. Pastors, elders, and lay leaders: Check your conscience. We should seek to celebrate others’ victories as if they were your own, because in the body of Christ, they are. Never forget what love looks like, “Love... does not envy... it does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” (1 Cor 13:4,6)

When the Wicked Fall

Now here’s the tricky one. Justice-Based Schadenfreude is the last of the three. This type of Schadenfreude is rooted in a sense of moral order. We see someone blatantly sinning, hurting others, abusing power, or walking in open rebellion, and finally they’re held accountable. There's a part of us that breathes a sigh of relief, and maybe even says, “Good. About time.” In this case, we’re not rooting against someone because they’re different or better. We’re relieved that justice is being done.

This form of Schadenfreude is the least morally problematic, but still dangerous if we’re not careful. It’s one thing to long for justice; it’s another to relish someone else’s judgment. Ask Jonah, he was fine with Nineveh’s destruction, but angry when God showed mercy. Christian, if you love the fall more than the restoration, you’re out of step with the heart of God. The wisdom of Proverbs 24:17 stands out at this point, “Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice.”  

The truth is, there are many issues on which we shouldn’t even have an opinion. The internet has made the world feel small, and social media has amplified our voices, often beyond what wisdom would permit. It creates the illusion that we’re closer to events than we actually are. As a result, we may feel obligated to weigh in, even when we’re so far removed from the facts that making a prudent moral judgment, beyond the obvious, is nearly impossible. So what about when seeing God’s  justice gives us a sense of satisfaction? One thing we can do is let that sense of justice move us to intercession, not mockery. Pray for justice but also pray for mercy.

So What Do We Do?

We live in a time where Christian failure has become Christian entertainment.  Bloggers feast on the downfalls of the “celebrity pastor industrial complex.” Regrettably, something, I am guilty of as well. Don’t misunderstand me. Accountability is necessary. Evil must be exposed. Judgment begins with the household of God. But there’s a world of difference between mourning over sin and marketing it for clicks. Here’s what we’re called to:

Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth (1 Cor 13:6).

Restore the one caught in transgression with a spirit of gentleness (Gal 6:1).

Bear one another’s burdens, not broadcast one another’s failures.(Gal 6:2).

The theologian Paul Ramsey speaks of neighbor-love not just as a sentimental feeling, but as a covenantal commitment. It’s not about liking someone, it’s about being responsible for their good. It’s choosing solidarity over superiority. And in a world where Schadenfreude is easy, neighbor-love is holy defiance. 

Christ’s Cross Conquers Schadenfreude

Jesus did not rejoice in our downfall. He wept. He bore our shame. He restored us. If we are to be His Church, we must put away the satisfaction of seeing another stumble and instead be a community marked by grace, repentance, and love. If you’ve felt Schadenfreude, congratulations, you’re human. But you’re also called to higher virtues.

Let us be the kind of church that weeps when a brother falls, prays when a sister stumbles, and rejoices not when reputations crumble but when sinners are restored. The world doesn’t need a church that kicks the wounded while live-streaming it. It needs a church that binds up the broken—because that’s what Jesus did for us. While we were still sinners, while we were gloating, Christ died for us. So let’s kill our Schadenfreude, and resurrect some compassion instead. Ask the Lord to reveal where you have rejoiced in the fall of another. Confess it. Forsake it. And choose the better way: love that “rejoices not in wrongdoing, but in the truth.”

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had.” - Rom 15:5

Brotherhood beyond Our Group (part 1)

A small-town church building burns down. Smoke still rises as people gather, grieving their loss. Across the street stands another church, different tradition, different worship style, but undeniably part of the same spiritual family. Yet, instead of offering help, comfort, or solidarity, the neighboring congregation merely watches from the sidelines, sipping coffee, exchanging speculative gossip, and quietly calculating how many visitors might wander over next Sunday. It’s not just tacky, it’s Edom-level sinful. 

Four Truths from Obadiah

Obadiah may be the shortest book in the Old Testament, but it delivers a fierce rebuke. It’s a word of judgment against Edom, Israel’s neighbor and relative. Edom’s sin wasn’t a direct act of war, it was standing by and doing nothing while their brother, Israel, was attacked. As descendants of Esau, Edom shared a family bond with Israel through Jacob. That kinship should’ve meant love and loyalty. Instead, they looked, laughed, and looted.

That’s what makes Edom’s betrayal so tragic. This wasn’t just bad politics, it was a violation of family. Edom and Israel weren’t strangers; they were kin. And when Israel was at its lowest, Edom didn’t respond with compassion or solidarity. They failed to show what the Bible calls hesed.  Hesed is one of the richest words in the Old Testament and is the conceptual background of Obadiah.[1]  It’s often translated as steadfast love, kindness, mercy, or loyalty. It describes God’s faithful love toward His people (Ps. 6:4; 103:4, 8, 11, 17), and it’s meant to shape our relationships too—especially with family (Gen. 20:13). In the ancient near east, people often enter into covenants in order to establish and maintain a 'Hesed' relationship. At its core, hesed is about unwavering commitment, mutual support, and lasting care. It creates the kind of faithful relationships that produces shalom.

Edom owed Israel that kind of loyalty. But instead of showing hesed, they stood by smirking as Jerusalem fell. They gawked at the wreckage, chuckled at the carnage, and even profited from the disaster. Obadiah 11–14 outlines their sin in four parts, each a direct rejection of hesed:

1. Indifference – “You stood aloof” (v. 11). Edom did violence by doing nothing. They stood with arms crossed while their brother bled.
2. Enjoyment of Judgment – “Do not gloat over your brother’s day” (v. 12). When Israel faced God’s judgment through Babylon, Edom watched with smug satisfaction, as if they had front-row seats with popcorn in hand.
3. Opportunism – “Do not loot their wealth in the day of their disaster” (v. 13). Rather than help, they took the opportunity to steal what was left.
4. Ruthlessness – “You should not have stood at the crossroads to cut down their fugitives” (v. 14). They showed no 'mercy' to their kin. Instead of helping the hurting heal, they hurt them all the more. They even captured and even enslaved them. 

Edom’s sin was not just inaction, it was betrayal. God expected hesed; but when covenant loyalty is replaced with cold-hearted opportunism, judgment is sure to follow. This was a Cain-level betrayal (Gen. 4), family turning on family. In the face of suffering, Edom failed to love even his neighbor and kin. In the end, God expected loyalty; Edom chose treachery. And for breaking that sacred bond, judgment was certain. 

Imitating Edom

Fast forward a few thousand years, and the same script plays out in the church world. A denomination struggles, maybe from scandal, decline, or theological confusion, and what do other churches do? Stand aloof. Maybe whisper about doctrinal compromise. Maybe rejoice a little that “God is clearly blessing us instead.” Obadiah calls this what it is: betrayal. In Christ, we are family, and family doesn’t let family bleed out on the sidewalk while they update our instagram.

Paul Ramsey, in his influential work 'Basic Christian Ethics', powerfully frames this issue through the lens of "neighbor love," a love grounded not merely in affection or sentiment, but in covenantal obligation.  Ramsey emphasizes that genuine love for our neighbor emerges from the recognition of a covenantal bond created by God. This covenant requires us to actively seek the good of others, particularly within the community of faith, reflecting God's own steadfast, covenantal love toward us. Ramsey describes neighbor love not merely as sentimental affection but involves a covenantal commitment to show 'hesed' love for one another, even when it’s inconvenient, uncomfortable, or doesn’t benefit your brand. Applying Ramsey's insight, denominations are thus not merely partners by coincidence or mutual benefit; they are bound by divine covenant to love and care for one another. This covenantal neighbor love mandates a proactive response to the suffering and needs of fellow Christians, transcending social and denominational barriers. 

Obadiah vividly illustrates Ramsey’s principle by revealing Edom’s profound failure in covenantal neighbor love. Today, our churches face a similar crossroads. The New Testament affirms that every believer is united in Christ as one body (1 Cor 12:12–13). Thus, when we allow denominational distinctives to morph into a spiritual identity ripe with tribal loyalties we sow the seeds of our own judgment. The fruit of a twisted denominational identity is indifference, competition, or even subtle satisfaction at another church’s struggle. In short we repeat Edom's grievous error. Of course, in the age of YouTube Christianity, this gets even messier. Entire channels have built their brands by becoming professional heresy hunters. Every pastoral misstep, theological controversy, or ministry scandal becomes an opportunity, not for prayer, not for restoration, but for views, likes, and monetization. Some creators treat church breakdowns like reality TV, entertainment wrapped in Bible verses. It’s Edom with a a comment section.

Now, let’s be fair. There’s a world of difference between those who seek truth and accountability and those who salivate over spiritual failure. We need discernment in the church. There are faithful voices, who tackle error with clarity and care, genuinely desiring repentance and renewal. But others? Their platform is fueled not by love for the Body but by the algorithm. It’s theological rubbernecking dressed in pseudo-discernment robes.

The difference lies in motive: Are you standing in the gap for your brother, or standing aloof with popcorn and a punchline? Are you using your voice to call the wandering home, or to profit off their public stumble? 

A Way Forward

What do we do with all this? First, kill the branding and embrace the brotherhood. Churches aren’t rival franchises. They’re parts of the same Body. Denominations should see themselves not as competitors but as partners in kingdom work. This doesn’t imply glossing over significant doctrinal differences; rather, it emphasizes prioritizing core gospel truths and Christian charity over secondary disputes. Essential doctrines, such as the Trinity, Christ’s divinity, sin and salvation, and basic Christian ethical standards, remain foundational. Yet within these gospel boundaries, denominations must support one another generously and wholeheartedly. So Yes, doctrinal integrity matters, but secondary issues shouldn’t outweigh our shared foundation in Christ. Let’s not be more loyal to our denominational logo than to the Lamb who was slain. 

Second, stop being passive. “Standing aloof” may not sound like much, but in heaven’s courtroom, it’s damning. If another church suffers, mourn with them. If another denomination faces hardship, lend a hand. God won’t be impressed with our ability to "stay in our lane" if that lane leads straight past a ditch filled with our brother.

Obadiah doesn’t just bring fire and brimstone. It also brings hope. Verse 17 speaks of deliverance and restoration for those who choose God’s way. That offer still stands. God delights in those who mend fences, lift burdens, and act like His kids, united by the gospel, not divided by religious identity politics and branding. So let’s rewind that burning church scene. This time, picture every local church showing up with water, tools, casseroles, and a shared grief. No one asking who gets credit. No one angling for a social media post.  Just Christians, loving like Jesus, because the blood and the covenant they are all under demands it. Obadiah isn’t just about Edom. It’s about us. And so I turn the question to you: Are you on the sidelines as the church burns? Or are you living out Hesed love?

Footnote 
[1] While the Hebrew word 'Hesed' is not in obadiah given it is a book of judgement. Although the concept of 'Hesed' is central to understanding the message of Obadiah. The lack of this quality on Edom's part is a key reason for their condemnation.