Our navigation bar is loading . . .
     

 

 

Subscribe to my weekly inspirational message podcast!


JCSM's Top 1000 Christian Sites - Free Traffic Sharing Service!



Social Networking


Jesus Christ Saves Ministries

Helping San Diego, California and beyond since 1997

Click here to subscribe and connect!  


 

 

 

Maximizing the Internet: 12 Keys to Success, by Jason Gastrich

   


Click here and add this page to your favorites!

 

Lovingkindness


There is some controversy as to the definition of lovingkindness. The definition we are concerned with is the one in the Old Testament. Typical people may assume the word simply means a combination of love and kindness. Lovingkindness has a deeper meaning. We will research scriptures and find a logical, Biblical definition.

The word lovingkindness is mentioned in 3 books of the Old Testament; Psalms, Jeremiah and Hosea. It is mentioned a total of 26 times. All of the following scriptures are taken from the King James Bible.

Jeremiah 9:23, 24 "Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD."

Lovingkindness means kindness in this context. God is telling us that we should not boast about our wisdom, might and riches. But He says if we are to boast or "glory" we should boast about God and His character. Lovingkindness, judgement or justice and righteousness are part of God's character. Kindness has been used synonymously with gentleness. God loves the people He created. This makes Him enforce judgement and righteousness. Since God is enforcing these things, He needs to do it with kindness. People would inevitably become angry and hate God if He didn't have kindness in His character. Our God teaching us without kindness could be compared to a dad who yells at his children and beats them to make them obey. Over time, his child would resent him and his instruction; whether he was correct or not. Likewise, if God did not exercise kindness with His love, we would ultimately resent Him.

Psalm 40:10, 11 "I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation. Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me."

In this passage, the Psalmist writes about God's lovingkindness and truth. He is saying, "Since I haven't hidden what You've done and what You're like, don't withhold your mercy from me. Let Your lovingkindess and truth preserve me." Mercy is more closely associated with lovingkindness, here. Without God's mercy, many things would change. People wouldn't have the opportunity to sin and repent. They wouldn't have the chance to learn from their mistakes. God's mercy is an important part of His character. We all have experienced God's mercy and need it continually.

Psalm 143:8 "Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee."

Lovinkindness is something that can be heard, in this psalm. God's beauty or beautiful creation can be substituted here. Since this psalm was written before trash trucks and doorbells, what are some things in nature that can be heard in the morning? Birds, rustling leaves, dogs, water and rain, people. God's beauty can be seen through His creation. This is part of His lovingkindness.

The definition for lovingkindness is not a simple one, just as our God is not a simple God. To correctly define this word or any word, it must be defined in context. Although the Hebrew word checed (pronounced kheh'-sed) is used each time for lovingkindness, it has different meanings based on the context. The closest, basic, English definition for lovingkindness could be worded like this: God's beauty and mercy and kindness.

 

Jesus Christ Saves Ministries

The JCSM Study CenterAmerica's Christian FoundationSkeptic's Annotated Bible: Corrected and ExplainedNKJV Web Hosting and Services
JCSM's Sermons, Debates and the Bible on MP3The Online Christ-Centered MinistriesDo You Have a Christian Site? Advertise On JCSM!Seminary Notes and PapersThe Picturesque Photo Albums



 



 

Dr. Jason Gastrich

Jason Gastrich, Ph.D.

 

Jesus Christ Saves Ministries is directed by Dr. Jason Gastrich. It was founded in 1997 and it exists to bring people into a life-changing and productive relationship with Jesus Christ. JCSM offers over 200,000 free web pages, including its weekly inspirational emails that have been sent continuously for over a decade.

Jesus Christ Saves Ministries
P.O. Box 9297
San Diego, CA  92169
1-888-887-0417 or Email

JCSM is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization. Copyright © 1997-2009.

 

Sponsored Advertisements

Online First Aid and CPR Certification  .  DHA Solutions  .  iPhone Video and Audio Recording Services  .  The Online Christ Centered Ministries  .  San Diego Bodyboarding  .  The Skeptic's Annotated Bible: Corrected and Explained  .  Free Email Accounts  .  Home Equity Loans  .  JasonGastrich.com  .  The Missions, Apologetics, and Creation Bible Conference  .  Young Earth Creation Science  .  San Diego Music Lessons  .  10,000 Wise Quotes and Spiritual Sayings  .  Gastrich.net  .  Maximizing the Internet: 12 Keys to Success  .  San Diego Dui Lawyers  .  Emile's Automotive  .  Bill Butler  .  Avoid Zinester  .  Post Your Ad Link Free  .  Louisiana Baptist University  .  Michael Newdow  .  San Diego Soccer Training  .  Christian Guitar Lessons  .  Jesus Christ Saves Ministries  .  Eternal Security  .  Soakwuss  .  Download Sermons  .  Faith Based Facebook  .  Custom Religious Banners, Build A Sign

 

You can advertise your site right here! Free Bible College