The concept of God's loving-kindness, often translated from the Hebrew word "chesed," is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting God's steadfast love, mercy, and faithfulness. For the saints—those who are set apart and devoted to God—this divine loving-kindness is a source of comfort and hope, especially during times of affliction.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible consistently affirms that God's loving-kindness is an enduring and unchanging attribute. In the midst of trials and tribulations, the saints are encouraged to expect and rely on this divine quality. The psalmist declares, "The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion" (Psalm 103:8). This assurance of God's character provides a foundation for believers to trust in His goodness, even when circumstances are challenging.

Expecting Loving-Kindness in Affliction

1. God's Presence in Suffering: The saints are assured of God's presence during their afflictions. In Isaiah 43:2, God promises, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you." This verse highlights that God's loving-kindness is not absent in suffering but is actively present, guiding and sustaining His people.

2. Comfort and Consolation: The Apostle Paul speaks of the comfort that God provides in affliction, writing, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles" (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). This comfort is a manifestation of God's loving-kindness, offering peace and reassurance to the saints.

3. Purpose in Affliction: Afflictions are not without purpose in the life of a believer. Romans 8:28 assures, "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." This verse underscores the belief that God's loving-kindness orchestrates even the most difficult circumstances for the ultimate good of His people.

4. Hope and Deliverance: The expectation of God's loving-kindness includes hope for deliverance. Psalm 34:19 states, "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all." This promise of deliverance is rooted in God's faithful love and serves as a beacon of hope for the saints.

5. Strength and Renewal: In times of weakness, God's loving-kindness provides strength and renewal. Isaiah 40:31 proclaims, "But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint." This renewal is a testament to the sustaining power of God's love.

Examples from Scripture

· Job: Despite intense suffering, Job ultimately experiences God's loving-kindness. His account illustrates that even when God's ways are mysterious, His love remains steadfast.

· David: Throughout the Psalms, David frequently appeals to God's loving-kindness during his trials, expressing confidence that God will deliver and uphold him.

· Paul: The Apostle Paul, who faced numerous hardships, consistently relied on God's loving-kindness, as seen in his letters where he speaks of God's grace being sufficient in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

In summary, the loving-kindness of God is a profound assurance for the saints, especially in times of affliction. It is a reminder of God's unwavering presence, comfort, and purpose, encouraging believers to trust in His faithful love and anticipate His deliverance and strength.Psalm 42:7,8
Deep calls to deep at the noise of your waterspouts: all your waves and your billows are gone over me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews vi. 7, 8
... [2.] In this passage he intimates the lovingkindness of God ... life and in faith; these
others however are saints by their ... Matthew 7:1.) Do thou act for God's sake ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily x hebrews vi 7.htm

The Barley Field on Fire
... in all your tribulation, knowing that it shall reveal to you the loving-kindness
and wisdom of ... There are cordials which God giveth to sick saints which he ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/the barley field on fire.htm

The Unchangeableness of God
... nor shadow of turning.' The best saints have their ... mountains shall be removed, but
my loving kindness shall not ... God lets the waters of affliction be poured on ...
/.../watson/a body of divinity/4 the unchangeableness of god.htm

The Second Season
... are ordained as means of much spiritual good to saints. ... by promise never to take
away his loving kindness from them ... heart rest nowhere but in the bosom of God? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/ii the second season.htm

The Doctrine of God
... "Behold, the goodness and the severity of God." The Mercy of God is here shown in
His loving ... bb) Loving-kindness towards the saints, in particular. ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of god.htm

2 Cor. I. 1, 4
... But he calls them "saints," thereby implying that if any be an ... here at the beginning
describeth Him by His loving-kindness, calling Him "the God of mercies ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily i 2 cor i.htm

God's Providence
... destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender ... who crowneth thee with
loving kindness and tender ... of the Lord;" No.1,650, "God's Fatherly Pity ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 54 1908/gods providence.htm

Sad Fasts Changed to Glad Feasts
... I have met with some saints who have been happier ... afflicted in order to experience
the great lovingkindness of God ... Yes, God turns our fasts into feasts, and we ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/sad fasts changed to glad.htm

Heaviness through Manifold Temptations
... be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light ... more deeply sensible they
are of the loving-kindness of God ... more and more, and abase the soul before God. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 47 heaviness through manifold.htm

The Nature of Spiritual Hunger
... righteousness is equal to the most illustrious saints. ... are endued with righteousness
are God's favourites, and ... Thy loving-kindness is better than life' (Psalm ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/13 the nature of spiritual.htm

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