Topical Encyclopedia The concept of God's loving-kindness is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting His benevolent and merciful nature towards humanity. The Hebrew word often translated as "loving-kindness" is "chesed," which encompasses love, mercy, grace, and faithfulness. This attribute of God is foundational to understanding His interactions with His creation and His covenantal relationship with His people.Old Testament References In the Old Testament, God's loving-kindness is frequently highlighted in the Psalms and the Prophets. Psalm 136 is a notable example, where the refrain "His loving devotion endures forever" is repeated in every verse, emphasizing the eternal and unchanging nature of God's love. This psalm recounts God's mighty acts in creation and history, attributing them to His steadfast love. The prophet Jeremiah also speaks of God's loving-kindness in Lamentations 3:22-23: "Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness" . Here, God's loving-kindness is portrayed as the reason for hope and renewal, even amidst suffering and judgment. Covenantal Love God's loving-kindness is intricately linked to His covenant with Israel. In Deuteronomy 7:9, Moses reminds the Israelites, "Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps His covenant of loving devotion for a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments" . This covenantal love is not only a promise of blessing but also a call to faithfulness and obedience. New Testament Fulfillment In the New Testament, the loving-kindness of God is most fully revealed in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul writes in Titus 3:4-5, "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" . Here, God's loving-kindness is manifested in the salvation offered through Christ, underscoring the grace and mercy extended to all humanity. The Goodness of God The loving-kindness of God is inherently good, as it reflects His perfect nature. Psalm 145:9 declares, "The LORD is good to all; His compassion rests on all He has made" . This goodness is not limited to a select few but is extended to all creation, demonstrating God's universal care and benevolence. Response to God's Loving-Kindness Believers are called to respond to God's loving-kindness with gratitude, worship, and imitation. Ephesians 4:32 encourages, "Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you" . As recipients of divine loving-kindness, Christians are urged to reflect this attribute in their relationships with others, embodying the love and mercy they have received. Conclusion The loving-kindness of God is a profound and enduring aspect of His character, offering comfort, hope, and a model for human conduct. Through both the Old and New Testaments, God's loving-kindness is portrayed as a source of salvation, a testament to His faithfulness, and a call to live in accordance with His will. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 69:16Hear me, O LORD; for your loving kindness is good: turn to me according to the multitude of your tender mercies. Torrey's Topical Textbook Strong's Hebrew 2617. checed -- goodness, kindness... implication (towards God) piety: rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) Beauty -- favour, good deed(-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-)kindness, merciful ... /hebrew/2617.htm - 5k Library Whether God Loves all Things How Sowers of Strifes and Peacemakers are to be Admonished. LM Bryant. Loving-Kindness of God. The Long-Suffering, Loving-Kindness, and Tender-Mercies of God. ... Sky, Earth, and Sea: a Parable of God Mercy and Pity in the Judgment of God. Proof of the Absurdity of the Refusal to Glorify the Spirit, from ... Against those who Say that Demons Govern Human Affairs, and who ... The Divine Hunger and Thirst Thanksgiving to God for the Pardon Granted to the Offenders ... Resources What is lovingkindness in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about criticism? | GotQuestions.org Who was Barzillai in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Loving-Kindness of God is Through Christ The Loving-Kindness of God: Better than Life The Loving-Kindness of God: Consideration of the Dealings of God Gives a Knowledge of The Loving-Kindness of God: Everlasting The Loving-Kindness of God: Excellent The Loving-Kindness of God: Former Manifestations of, to be Pleaded in Prayer The Loving-Kindness of God: Good The Loving-Kindness of God: Great The Loving-Kindness of God: Marvellous The Loving-Kindness of God: Merciful The Loving-Kindness of God: Multitudinous The Loving-Kindness of God: Never Utterly Taken from Saints The Loving-Kindness of God: Praise God For The Loving-Kindness of God: Pray for The: Continuance of The Loving-Kindness of God: Pray for The: Exhibition of The Loving-Kindness of God: Pray for The: Extension of The Loving-Kindness of God: Proclaim The Loving-Kindness of God: Saints are Ever Mindful of The Loving-Kindness of God: Saints are Heard According To The Loving-Kindness of God: Saints: Betrothed In The Loving-Kindness of God: Saints: Comforted By The Loving-Kindness of God: Saints: Crowned With The Loving-Kindness of God: Saints: Drawn By The Loving-Kindness of God: Saints: Look for Mercy Through The Loving-Kindness of God: Saints: Preserved By The Loving-Kindness of God: Saints: Quickened After The Loving-Kindness of God: Saints: Receive Mercy Through The Loving-Kindness of God: Saints: should Expect, in Affliction Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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