Topical Encyclopedia The concept of God's loving-kindness, often translated from the Hebrew word "chesed," is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting His steadfast love, mercy, and faithfulness. This divine attribute assures believers that God's love and mercy are enduring and unfailing, even amidst trials and tribulations. The assurance that God's loving-kindness is never utterly taken from His saints is a profound source of comfort and hope for believers.Biblical Foundation The Bible consistently affirms that God's loving-kindness is an eternal and unchanging aspect of His character. In Psalm 136, the refrain "His loving devotion endures forever" is repeated in every verse, emphasizing the perpetual nature of God's mercy and love. This psalm serves as a reminder that God's loving-kindness is not contingent upon human actions but is rooted in His eternal nature. In Lamentations 3:22-23, the prophet Jeremiah declares, "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, the renewal of God's mercies each day underscores the continuous and unfailing nature of His loving-kindness, even in the midst of suffering and judgment. Covenantal Assurance God's loving-kindness is often linked to His covenantal promises. In 2 Samuel 7:15, God assures David, "But My loving devotion will never be removed from him as I removed it from Saul, whom I moved out of your way" . This promise highlights the distinction between God's dealings with Saul and David, underscoring the enduring nature of His covenant with David and his descendants. Similarly, in Isaiah 54:10, God reassures His people, "Though the mountains may be removed and the hills may be shaken, My loving devotion will not depart from you, and My covenant of peace will not be broken," says the LORD, who has compassion on you" . This passage illustrates the unbreakable bond of God's covenantal love, which remains steadfast despite external circumstances. 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 Romans 8:38-39, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" . This assurance confirms that God's love, manifested through Christ, is inseparable from the believer. The Apostle John also emphasizes this truth in 1 John 4:9-10: "This is how God’s love was revealed among us: God sent His one and only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. And love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins" . The sacrificial love of Christ is the ultimate demonstration of God's loving-kindness, ensuring that it is never withdrawn from those who are in Him. Practical Implications The assurance that God's loving-kindness is never utterly taken from His saints provides believers with a foundation for enduring faith and hope. It encourages them to trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem dire. This understanding fosters a deep sense of security and peace, knowing that God's love is constant and unwavering. Moreover, the recognition of God's enduring loving-kindness calls believers to reflect His love in their own lives. As recipients of divine mercy, they are called to extend love, compassion, and forgiveness to others, embodying the character of God in their interactions with the world. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 89:33Nevertheless my loving kindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 54:10 Library The Likeness of God The Doctrine of God Fellowship with God Ebenezer! Perseverance in Holiness A New Year's Benediction Ephesians iv. 17-19 Sin and Grace Shewing How a Principle of Grace is from the Spirit of God. " The New Song Resources What is brotherly kindness? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that love is kind (1 Corinthians 13:4)? | GotQuestions.org Why is God so different in the Old Testament than He is in the New Testament? | 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) |