Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Etymology:The term "loving-kindnesses" is often used to describe the steadfast love, mercy, and compassion of God towards His people. In the Hebrew Bible, the word most frequently translated as "loving-kindness" is "chesed" (חֶסֶד), which encompasses a range of meanings including mercy, kindness, and covenantal loyalty. This term is foundational in understanding the character of God as revealed in the Scriptures.
Biblical Usage:Loving-kindness is a central theme throughout the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament. It is frequently associated with God's covenantal relationship with Israel, highlighting His unwavering commitment and faithfulness. The Berean Standard Bible captures this concept in various passages:
·
Psalm 36:7 : "How precious is Your loving devotion, O God, that the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings." This verse emphasizes the protective and nurturing aspect of God's loving-kindness, inviting believers to find safety and comfort in His presence.
·
Psalm 103:4 : "who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with loving devotion and compassion." Here, loving-kindness is linked with redemption and compassion, illustrating God's active role in delivering and restoring His people.
·
Lamentations 3:22-23 : "Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!" This passage underscores the enduring and renewing nature of God's loving-kindness, which is a source of hope and renewal for believers.
Theological Significance:Loving-kindness is not merely an abstract attribute of God but is demonstrated through His actions and interactions with humanity. It is seen in His creation, providence, and especially in His redemptive work. The concept of loving-kindness is integral to understanding the nature of God's covenant with Israel, as it reflects His commitment to His promises and His people.
In the New Testament, the concept of loving-kindness is embodied in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus exemplifies the ultimate expression of God's loving-kindness, offering salvation and reconciliation to all who believe. The Apostle Paul speaks to this in
Titus 3:4-5 : "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, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit."
Practical Implications:For believers, understanding and experiencing God's loving-kindness leads to a life of gratitude, worship, and obedience. It calls Christians to reflect God's character in their relationships with others, showing mercy, kindness, and compassion. The call to emulate God's loving-kindness is evident in passages such as
Micah 6:8 : "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Conclusion:The concept of loving-kindness is a profound and multifaceted aspect of God's nature, deeply rooted in His covenantal relationship with His people. It is a source of comfort, hope, and inspiration for believers, calling them to live in a manner that reflects the love and mercy they have received from God.
Strong's Hebrew
2617a. chesed -- goodness, kindness... devout (1), faithfulness (1), favor (2), good (1), kindly (7), kindness (32),
kindnesses (1), loveliness (1), lovingkindness (176),
lovingkindnesses (7), loyal
...Library
Where is the Lord?
... 7. I will mention thelovingkindnesses of the Lord,. Are you, dear friends, mentioning
thelovingkindnesses of the Lord; or are you silent about them?...
The Blessing of Mercy,
... We are all ready enough to talk of the mercies andlovingkindnesses of God to us
and to all men, but what mercy, what lovingkindness, do we show to our...
Assurance
... we hear David say, Thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes.' Psalm 26:6. At another
time he is at a loss: Lord, where are thy formerlovingkindnesses?' Psalm 89...
Psalm 117
... his name to magnify. ^2For great to us-ward ever are. hisloving-kindnesses:
His truth endures for evermore. The Lord O do ye bless....
Psalm 25
... 6Thy tender mercies, Lord,. I pray thee to remember,. Andloving-kindnesses; for
they. have been of old for ever. ^7My sins and faults of youth....
Psalm 25
... 6Thy mercies, that most tender are,. do thou, O Lord, remember,. Andloving-kindnesses;
for they. have been of old for ever. ^7Let not the errors of my youth,....
April 9 Evening
... APRIL 9 EVENING. I will mention thelovingkindnesses of the Lord, and the praises
of the Lord, according to all that the Lord hath bestowed on us."ISA.63:7....
Responsiveness to Christ.
... does for you fills your soul with gratitude, and you can get blessed any time of
day or night by simply reflecting on the mercies andlovingkindnesses of the...
Psalm 89
... Or from the power of the grave. what man his soul shall free? ^49Thy former
loving-kindnesses,. O Lord, where be they now? Those which in truth and faithfulness...
What the Immense Creation Teaches
... The night opens deeper abysses and fills them with stars, to preach to us how
fathomless and immense Hisloving kindnesses and tender mercy are....
Thesaurus
Lovingkindnesses (11 Occurrences)...Lovingkindnesses (11 Occurrences).
... (ASV). Psalms 25:6 Remember, O LORD, thy tender
mercies and thy
lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old. (KJV NAS).
...Loving-kindnesses (8 Occurrences)
Loving-kindnesses.Lovingkindnesses,Loving-kindnesses. Lovingly . Multi-Version
Concordance...Lovingkindnesses,Loving-kindnesses. Lovingly . Reference
Kindnesses (11 Occurrences)
... anointed: remember yourlovingkindnesses to David your servant. (WEB ASV). Psalms
25:6 Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thylovingkindnesses; for they...
Compassions (17 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 63:7 I will make mention of thelovingkindnesses of Jehovah, and the praises
of Jehovah, according to all that Jehovah hath bestowed on us, and the...
Loving-kindness (150 Occurrences)
... Lovingkindness, Loving-kindness.Lovingkindnesses .... Psalms 17:7 Shew wondrously
thyloving-kindnesses, O thou that savest by thy right hand them that trust in...
Lovingkindness (176 Occurrences)
... Genesis 32:10 I am not worthy of the least of all thelovingkindnesses, and of all
the truth, which thou hast showed unto thy servant; for with my staff I...
Mention (41 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 63:7 I will make mention of thelovingkindnesses of Yahweh, and the praises
of Yahweh, according to all that Yahweh has bestowed on us, and the great...
Bestowed (43 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 63:7 I will make mention of thelovingkindnesses of Yahweh, and the praises
of Yahweh, according to all that Yahweh has bestowed on us, and the great...
Steadfast (194 Occurrences)
... Genesis 32:10 I am not worthy of the least of all thelovingkindnesses, and of
all the truth, which you have shown to your servant; for with just my staff I...
Lovingly (7 Occurrences)
Resources
What does it mean that God's mercies are new every morning? | GotQuestions.orgHow can a loving God send someone to hell? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is loving others often so difficult? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
