Topical Encyclopedia The concept of God's loving-kindness, often translated from the Hebrew word "chesed," is a central theme throughout the Bible. It encompasses His steadfast love, mercy, and faithfulness towards His creation. The loving-kindness of God is not only a characteristic of His nature but also a divine action that believers are encouraged to seek and pray for its extension in their lives and the world.Biblical Foundation The loving-kindness of God is vividly portrayed in the Old Testament, particularly in the Psalms. Psalm 136 is a profound 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 invites believers to remember and celebrate God's acts of kindness and mercy throughout history. In the New Testament, the loving-kindness of God is manifested through the life and work of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to Titus, 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" (Titus 3:4-5). This passage highlights the ultimate expression of God's loving-kindness through the salvation offered in Christ. Praying for the Extension of God's Loving-Kindness Believers are encouraged to pray for the extension of God's loving-kindness in various aspects of life. This includes personal spiritual growth, the well-being of others, and the advancement of God's kingdom on earth. The following are key areas where prayer for the extension of God's loving-kindness is vital: 1. Personal Transformation: Praying for God's loving-kindness to be evident in one's own life is essential for spiritual growth. As the psalmist prays, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10), believers seek the transformative power of God's love to purify and renew their hearts. 2. Intercession for Others: The extension of God's loving-kindness is also sought in the lives of others. Prayers of intercession ask for God's mercy and love to touch those who are suffering, lost, or in need. The Apostle Paul exemplifies this in his prayers for the early churches, as seen in Philippians 1:9, "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight" . 3. Global Impact: Praying for the extension of God's loving-kindness on a global scale involves seeking His mercy and justice in the world. Believers are called to pray for peace, reconciliation, and the spread of the Gospel, trusting in God's faithful love to bring about His purposes. As Jesus taught, "Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10). Encouragement in Scripture Scripture provides numerous assurances of God's willingness to extend His loving-kindness. Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds believers, "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" . This promise encourages believers to approach God with confidence, knowing that His loving-kindness is ever-present and inexhaustible. In conclusion, the loving-kindness of God is a profound and enduring aspect of His character that believers are encouraged to seek and pray for its extension in their lives and the world. Through prayer, believers align themselves with God's purposes, inviting His transformative love to work in and through them for His glory. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 24:12And he said O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray you, send me good speed this day, and show kindness to my master Abraham. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Samuel 2:6 Library Daniel: a Pattern for Pleaders The Divine Liturgy of James the Holy Apostle and Brother of the ... Christ is Glorious --Let us Make Him Known Prayers Answered On the Trinity. Book i. When I was Seeking an Employment Adequate ... Dialogue i. --The Immutable. Book Eleven the Eternal Creator and the Creation in Time. ... Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ... Exposition of the Moral Law. Covenant Duties. 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) |