The concept of God's loving-kindness is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting His enduring mercy, compassion, and steadfast love towards His people. This divine attribute is not only a source of comfort and hope but also a powerful force that draws the saints closer to God. The loving-kindness of God is often depicted as an irresistible and transformative influence that compels believers to seek a deeper relationship with their Creator.

Biblical Foundation

The Hebrew word often translated as "loving-kindness" is "chesed," which encompasses mercy, grace, and steadfast love. This term is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe God's covenantal faithfulness and His benevolent actions towards His people. In the New Testament, the Greek equivalent "eleos" conveys a similar sense of mercy and compassion.

Drawing the Saints

1. Jeremiah 31:3 : "The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: 'I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with loving devotion.'" This verse highlights the eternal nature of God's love and His initiative in drawing His people to Himself through His loving-kindness.

2. Hosea 11:4 : "I led them with cords of kindness, with ropes of love; I lifted the yoke from their necks and bent down to feed them." Here, God's loving-kindness is portrayed as gentle guidance and provision, drawing the saints with tender care and compassion.

3. Psalm 36:7 : "How precious is Your loving devotion, O God, that the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings." The psalmist expresses the value of God's loving-kindness as a refuge and a source of security, drawing believers to seek shelter in His presence.

4. Romans 2:4 : "Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?" In the New Testament, Paul emphasizes that God's kindness is a catalyst for repentance, drawing the saints to turn away from sin and towards a life of righteousness.

The Transformative Power of Loving-Kindness

The loving-kindness of God is not merely an abstract concept but a dynamic force that transforms the lives of believers. It is through experiencing God's loving-kindness that the saints are moved to respond in faith and obedience. This divine attribute fosters a deep sense of gratitude and devotion, motivating believers to live in accordance with God's will.

Expressions of Loving-Kindness

1. Forgiveness and Redemption: God's loving-kindness is manifested in His willingness to forgive sins and redeem His people. Ephesians 1:7 states, "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace."

2. Provision and Protection: The saints experience God's loving-kindness through His provision and protection. Psalm 23:6 declares, "Surely goodness and loving devotion will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."

3. Guidance and Instruction: God's loving-kindness is evident in His guidance and instruction, leading the saints in paths of righteousness. Psalm 25:10 affirms, "All the LORD’s ways are loving and faithful to those who keep His covenant and His decrees."

Conclusion

The loving-kindness of God is a profound and enduring aspect of His character that draws the saints into a closer relationship with Him. Through His loving-kindness, God reveals His mercy, grace, and faithfulness, inviting believers to experience the fullness of His love and to respond with lives of devotion and obedience.Jeremiah 31:3
The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying, Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love: therefore with loving kindness have I drawn you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Cor. I. 3-Jan
... and so persuades them to lowliness of mind; for not by their own good deeds, but
by the loving-kindness of God, had they ... "Called to be Saints." For even this ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily i 1 cor i.htm

The Mercy of God
... 10] As God's mercy makes the saints happy, so ... Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness
and tender mercies.' Psalm 103 ... God has treasures of mercy; prayer is the key ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/9 the mercy of god.htm

Colossians i. 26-28
... hid, since it hath been manifested to His saints alone ... Being drawn up, [778] as it
were, from some deep ... constraint, for this too is of God's lovingkindness to men ...
/.../homily v colossians i 26-28.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

Perseverance
... Though the saints may come to that pass that they ... me for ever, in righteousness and
lovingkindness.' Hosea 2:19 ... God does not marry his people unto himself, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/10 perseverance.htm

Ephesians i. 2-Jan
... when even secular men could be called "saints and faithful ... so high a privilege, so
great loving-kindness, let us ... of those good things, which may God grant we ...
/.../homily i ephesians i 2-jan.htm

1 Cor. I. 4, 5
... there who had "set themselves to minister unto the saints," and had ... Which may God
grant us all to obtain through the grace and loving-kindness of our ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily ii 1 cor i.htm

A Song of Deliverance
... thankful gratitude to God for His loving-kindness, are now ... is not ashamed to be called
their God, for He ... Israel, we may become fellow-citizens with the saints. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/a song of deliverance.htm

Covenanting a Privilege of Believers.
... on his Covenant, and as his saints of old ... with an everlasting love; therefore with
loving-kindness have I ... observing of the other duties of God's Covenant, as ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter x covenanting a privilege.htm

On the Feast of Martyrs
... City of Jerusalem, on all the dear Saints who are ... are to be found in the Word of
God, the Holy ... All men do this, who from loving-kindness freely forgive their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxx on the feast.htm

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