Topical Bible: Natural Life: God's Loving-Kindness Better Than

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In the Scriptures, the concept of natural life is often juxtaposed with the divine attributes of God, particularly His loving-kindness. The Bible presents God's loving-kindness as surpassing even the most fundamental aspects of human existence. This theme is notably encapsulated in Psalm 63:3, where David declares, "Because Your loving devotion is better than life, my lips will glorify You" . Here, the psalmist expresses a profound truth: the steadfast love of God is of greater value and significance than life itself.

Understanding Natural Life

Natural life, in biblical terms, refers to the physical existence and the temporal experiences of human beings. It encompasses the daily activities, relationships, and the inherent struggles and joys of living in a fallen world. The Bible acknowledges the goodness of life as a gift from God, as seen in Genesis 2:7, where God breathes life into Adam, making him a living being. Life is portrayed as a precious and sacred gift, to be cherished and lived in accordance with God's will.

God's Loving-Kindness

The Hebrew word often translated as "loving-kindness" is "chesed," which conveys God's steadfast love, mercy, and covenantal faithfulness. This divine attribute is a central theme throughout the Old Testament, reflecting God's unwavering commitment to His people. In Exodus 34:6, God reveals Himself to Moses as "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth" . This loving-kindness is not merely an emotion but an active, enduring commitment to the well-being of His creation.

Loving-Kindness Surpassing Life

The assertion that God's loving-kindness is better than life itself challenges believers to re-evaluate their priorities and affections. In a world that often elevates the pursuit of personal happiness and success, the Bible calls for a deeper appreciation of God's eternal love. The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in Philippians 1:21, stating, "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain" . Here, Paul emphasizes that the believer's ultimate fulfillment and purpose are found in Christ, transcending the temporal nature of earthly life.

Implications for Believers

For Christians, understanding that God's loving-kindness is better than life has profound implications. It calls for a life of worship, gratitude, and trust in God's promises. Believers are encouraged to seek God's presence and favor above all else, as seen in Matthew 6:33: "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you" . This pursuit of God's kingdom reflects a heart that values His loving-kindness above the fleeting pleasures and concerns of the world.

Eternal Perspective

The recognition of God's loving-kindness as superior to natural life also provides comfort and hope in the face of suffering and mortality. In Romans 8:38-39, Paul assures believers that nothing can separate them from the love of God in Christ Jesus. This eternal perspective empowers Christians to endure trials with the assurance that God's love is constant and unchanging, offering a peace that surpasses understanding.

In summary, the Bible presents God's loving-kindness as a divine attribute that surpasses the value of natural life. This truth invites believers to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing their relationship with God and trusting in His unfailing love.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 63:3
Because your loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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Now, and Then
... It is natural for us to want to know, but we shall ... that God would open thy eyes now
in this very house of ... happy lot to know him, whom to know is life eternal. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/now and then.htm

Perpetual Youth
... And as this advance has no natural limit, either ... sum of all perfection in the likeness
of the infinite God. ... who carries into each period of his life some trace ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/perpetual youth.htm

Solomon
... Solomon took an especial interest in natural history, but ... principles that should
govern every act of life. ... these principles, and the recognition of God as the ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 1 solomon.htm

Love and Forgiveness
... of instinctive gratitude and natural religiousness, directed ... and merits, which issues
from God for ever ... Respectable in life, rigid in morality, unquestionable ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/love and forgiveness.htm

The Water of Life;
... a horse, and mire will serve a sow; so things of this life suit best ... and they savour
not the things that be of the Spirit of God. 'The natural man receiveth ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the water of life.htm

Continual Sunshine
... Of course, 'the light of Thy countenance' is a very obvious and natural symbol for
favour ... But for those to whom God's Face is as a Sun, life in all its ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/continual sunshine.htm

Christ Manifesting Himself to his People
... Though he was the Lord of life and glory, the great and ... first we were awakened: we
will leave it to God, but we ... as if you had seen him with your natural eyes. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/christ manifesting himself to his.htm

Aaron, his Office no Palliation of his Sin, 61.
... of Jesus Christ, evidence for, in the life of St ... Babel, [439]183; a mark of God's
lovingkindness, [440]182 ... careless, [461]188; order in the natural, forbids our ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/aaron his office no palliation.htm

"Thou Shall Keep Him in Perfect Peace, Whose Mind is Stayed on ...
... peace and tranquillity, such as passeth natural understanding. ... favour is life and
whose loving kindness is better than life. ... a man hath done against God is all ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xii thou shall keep.htm

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God, and his Righteousness, and ...
... I say, may be the temper of some natural spirits, yet ... favour is life, and whose loving
kindness is better than life? ... "Seek first the kingdom of God." "The hand ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xvii but seek ye.htm