The concept of God's loving-kindness is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting His enduring mercy, compassion, and steadfast love towards His creation. The Hebrew word often translated as "loving-kindness" is "chesed," which encompasses loyalty, faithfulness, and a covenantal love that is both generous and enduring. This divine attribute is not only a source of comfort and hope but also a subject of prayer, as believers seek the continual presence and manifestation of God's loving-kindness in their lives.

Biblical Foundation

The loving-kindness of God is richly illustrated in the Psalms, where the psalmists frequently appeal to God's steadfast love as a basis for their prayers and petitions. In Psalm 136, the refrain "His loving devotion endures forever" is repeated in every verse, emphasizing the eternal nature of God's love and mercy. This psalm serves as a reminder of God's unchanging character and His ongoing commitment to His people.

Praying for Continuance

Believers are encouraged to pray for the continuance of God's loving-kindness, recognizing their dependence on His grace and mercy. In Psalm 85:7, the psalmist pleads, "Show us Your loving devotion, O LORD, and grant us Your salvation" . This prayer reflects a deep yearning for God's ongoing presence and favor, acknowledging that His loving-kindness is essential for spiritual renewal and salvation.

Similarly, in Psalm 89:49, the psalmist asks, "Where, O Lord, is Your loving devotion of old, which You swore steadfastly to David?" . This appeal to God's covenantal promises underscores the belief that His loving-kindness is not only a past reality but also a present and future assurance for those who trust in Him.

Theological Significance

The loving-kindness of God is a testament to His unmerited favor and grace towards humanity. It is through His loving-kindness that believers experience forgiveness, redemption, and the hope of eternal life. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to Titus, highlights this truth: "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" (Titus 3:4-5).

Practical Application

In praying for the continuance of God's loving-kindness, believers are invited to cultivate a heart of gratitude and trust. Recognizing that God's love is both a gift and a promise, they are encouraged to seek His presence daily, relying on His faithfulness in all circumstances. This prayerful dependence fosters a deeper relationship with God, as believers align their hearts with His will and purpose.

Conclusion

The loving-kindness of God is a profound and enduring aspect of His nature, offering believers assurance and hope. Through prayer, they seek the continuance of this divine attribute, trusting in God's unwavering commitment to His people. As they experience His loving-kindness, they are called to reflect His love in their own lives, becoming instruments of His grace and mercy in the world.Psalm 36:10
O continue your loving kindness to them that know you; and your righteousness to the upright in heart.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matt. vi. 1
... But mark, I pray thee, the lovingkindness of God, in ... 6. "After this manner, therefore,
pray ye," saith He: "Our ... hearer, and reminded him of all God's bounty in ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xix matt vi 1.htm

Constant, Instant, Expectant
... me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness, according unto ... them fly away from earth
and rest in God. Hypocrites pray by fits and starts, the genuine Christian ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 25 1879/constant instant expectant.htm

Against those who Say that Demons Govern Human Affairs, and who ...
... This is part of his loving kindness to men ... All which things God foresaw, and since
they did not use their oneness of speech ... And see with me, his lovingkindness. ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily i against those who.htm

Heaviness through Manifold Temptations
... deeply sensible they are of the loving-kindness of God ... But these cases are rare:
God generally sees good ... ought, therefore, Lastly, to watch and pray, and use ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 47 heaviness through manifold.htm

The Gospel According to St. Luke
... reality of the grace, the undeserved lovingkindness, of God to ... which designated the
poor and oppressed servants of God. ... His charge to the Twelve, "Pray that ye ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter v the gospel according.htm

Against Publishing the Errors of the Brethren.
... him who had forbidden thee to pray against thine ... in the forgiveness of our own sins:
which God grant that we may attain, by the grace and lovingkindness of our ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/against publishing the errors of.htm

The Backslider in Heart.
... If he neglects or refuses to pray, he feels ... that notwithstanding all your wanderings
from God, he loves ... love, and, therefore, with loving kindness is drawing ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xxi the backslider in.htm

Against those who Assert that the Spirit Ought not to be Glorified ...
... from the Lord and guided them." [1137] And pray do not ... He "is at the right hand of
God, who also ... For to make the loving kindness of your benefactor a ground of ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/chapter xix against those who.htm

On the Words, and in one Holy Catholic Church, and in the ...
... And this shall come to pass through the loving-kindness of God, who ... crowing: and
assembling together in the Church, watch and pray and beseech God, in your ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xviii on the words.htm

Where is the Lord?
... His lovingkindness, oh, how great ... for the sorrows of his people; but he does not
neglect to pray. In the next chapter God breaks out, and says, "I am sought of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/where is the lord.htm

What does the Bible say about how you should treat others? | GotQuestions.org

To whom are we to pray, the Father, the Son, or the Holy Spirit? | GotQuestions.org

Isn't it unloving to tell someone he/she is sinning? | GotQuestions.org

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