Definition and Nature:
Kindnesses, in the biblical context, refer to acts of benevolence, compassion, and mercy that reflect the character of God. These acts are expressions of love and are often seen as a fruit of the Spirit, demonstrating the transformative work of God in a believer's life. Kindness is not merely an emotion but is manifested through actions that seek the welfare of others.

Biblical Foundation:
The concept of kindness is deeply rooted in the character of God, who is described as kind and merciful throughout Scripture. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word "chesed" often translated as "lovingkindness" or "steadfast love," encapsulates God's covenantal faithfulness and kindness towards His people. For example, Psalm 136 repeatedly emphasizes God's enduring lovingkindness: "Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good. His lovingkindness endures forever" (Psalm 136:1).

In the New Testament, kindness is highlighted as a virtue that believers are called to embody. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, lists kindness as one of the fruits of the Spirit: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness" (Galatians 5:22). This indicates that kindness is a natural outflow of a life led by the Holy Spirit.

Examples in Scripture:
1. God's Kindness: God's kindness is evident in His dealings with humanity. In Titus 3:4-5, Paul writes, "But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit" . This passage highlights the ultimate act of kindness—salvation through Jesus Christ.

2. Human Kindness: The Bible also provides numerous examples of human kindness. The account of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:30-37 illustrates kindness in action. Despite cultural animosities, the Samaritan shows compassion and care for a wounded traveler, embodying the command to "love your neighbor as yourself."

3. Ruth and Boaz: The Book of Ruth offers a profound narrative of kindness. Boaz's kindness towards Ruth, a foreign widow, reflects God's provision and care. Ruth 2:8-12 details Boaz's generous actions, ensuring Ruth's safety and sustenance, which ultimately leads to her becoming part of the lineage of David and, consequently, Jesus Christ.

Theological Significance:
Kindness is a reflection of God's nature and an essential aspect of Christian ethics. It is a tangible expression of love that believers are called to practice. Ephesians 4:32 exhorts, "Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you" . This verse underscores the reciprocal nature of kindness, rooted in the forgiveness and grace believers have received through Christ.

Practical Application:
Believers are encouraged to cultivate kindness in their daily lives, reflecting the love of Christ to others. This involves intentional acts of service, compassion, and forgiveness. Colossians 3:12-13 instructs, "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive any complaint you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you" . This passage calls Christians to embody kindness as a defining characteristic of their new identity in Christ.

Conclusion:
While the entry does not include a conclusion, it is evident that kindness is a central theme in the biblical narrative, reflecting both the character of God and the expected conduct of His people. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are equipped to demonstrate kindness, thereby participating in God's redemptive work in the world.2617a. chesed -- goodness, kindness
... NASB Word Usage deeds of devotion (2), devotion (1), devout (1), faithfulness (1),
favor (2), good (1), kindly (7), kindness (32), kindnesses (1), loveliness (1 ...
/hebrew/2617a.htm - 6k

Twenty-Third Day. Benevolence.
... (Mark, v.1; John, iv.4, 5.) Nor were his kindnesses dispensed through the intervention
of others. They were all personal acts. His own hand healed. ...
/.../macduff/the mind of jesus/twenty-third day benevolence.htm

We must Strive for Preferment Only by Right Means. ...
... up. 121. We must strive also to win many by kindnesses and duties that we
can do, and to preserve the favour already shown us. For ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xxiv we must strive.htm

What Predestination Is.
... [3642] And certainly, if He foreknew these things, He as certainly foreknew
His own kindnesses, wherewith He condescends to deliver us. ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 35 what predestination is.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xvii. 21, "How Oft Shall My ...
... "Give, and it shall be given unto you," relates to doing kindnesses. ... Again, as to
the doing kindnesses; a beggar asks of thee, and thou art God's beggar. ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxxiii on the words.htm

Worship
... But it is because God is so perfectly and gloriously good in Himself, and not merely
because He has done US kindnesses, yea, heaped us with undeserved benefits ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xxiv worship.htm

Acts of the Holy Apostle Thomas, when He came into India, and ...
... And he taking it, dispenses it all, going about the cities and the places round,
distributing and doing kindnesses to the poor and the afflicted, and gave them ...
/.../unknown/acts of the holy apostle thomas/acts of the holy apostle 2.htm

The Recall to Religion in the Hymns of Charles Wesley
... It was my good fortune to be one of the many on whom he showered kindnesses, and
often in those years I used to call on him and go out with him walking or ...
/.../manning/the hymns of wesley and watts five papers/the recall to religion in.htm

Argument. --When the Saints were Apprehended, St. Perpetua ...
... to you whether this is to result in a passion or an escape.' [8981] And I, who knew
that I was privileged to converse with the Lord, whose kindnesses I had ...
/.../chapter i argument when the saints were.htm

Dedication
... THERESE, IN THANKSGIVING FOR GRACES OBTAINED, AND TO HER "PETITE MERE," MOTHER AGNES
OF JESUS, IN GRATEFUL MEMORY OF INNUMERABLE KINDNESSES EXTENDING OVER MANY ...
//christianbookshelf.org/martin/the story of a soul/dedication.htm

The Lame Man at the Temple Gate.
... at once rescue every one out of sickness and poverty, for thereby our love is compelled
to a deeper consideration and to a thousand kindnesses which find their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/dods/how to become like christ/the lame man at the.htm

Kindnesses (11 Occurrences)
...Kindnesses (11 Occurrences). ... 2 Chronicles 6:42 Yahweh God, don't turn away the face
of your anointed: remember your loving kindnesses to David your servant. ...
/k/kindnesses.htm - 9k

Loving-kindnesses (8 Occurrences)
Loving-kindnesses. Lovingkindnesses, Loving-kindnesses. Lovingly .
Multi-Version Concordance Loving-kindnesses (8 Occurrences). ...
/l/loving-kindnesses.htm - 8k

Mention (41 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 63:7 I will make mention of the loving kindnesses of Yahweh, and the praises
of Yahweh, according to all that Yahweh has bestowed on us, and the great ...
/m/mention.htm - 19k

Bestowed (43 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 63:7 I will make mention of the loving kindnesses of Yahweh, and the praises
of Yahweh, according to all that Yahweh has bestowed on us, and the great ...
/b/bestowed.htm - 19k

Steadfast (194 Occurrences)
... Genesis 32:10 I am not worthy of the least of all the loving kindnesses, and of
all the truth, which you have shown to your servant; for with just my staff I ...
/s/steadfast.htm - 33k

Lovingkindnesses (11 Occurrences)

/l/lovingkindnesses.htm - 9k

Lovingly (7 Occurrences)

/l/lovingly.htm - 8k

Mercies (62 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 63:7 I will make mention of the loving kindnesses of Yahweh, and the praises
of Yahweh, according to all that Yahweh has bestowed on us, and the great ...
/m/mercies.htm - 25k

Praises (66 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 63:7 I will make mention of the loving kindnesses of Yahweh, and the praises
of Yahweh, according to all that Yahweh has bestowed on us, and the great ...
/p/praises.htm - 24k

Loving-kindness (150 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Psalms 17:7 Shew wondrously thy loving-kindnesses, O thou that savest by
thy right hand them that trust in thee from those that rise up against them. ...
/l/loving-kindness.htm - 33k

What does it mean that God's mercies are new every morning? | GotQuestions.org

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