LovingKindness

In most dictionaries, lovingkindness is not a word. It is always broken into two separate words or a hyphenated word. But, in the context of this idea, it does not make sense to break it into two words as we may lose its meaning from the Hebrew.

Lovingkindness is the English translation for the Hebrew word chesed. This term is used frequently in the book of Psalms, and refers to acts of kindness, motivated by love. It is used primarily in reference to God, rather than to people. Some examples are found in:

Psalm 107:43 Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD.

Psalm 63:3 Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.

Psalms 103:4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

When I first learned of chesed or hesed, I was amazed at how well this word describes our Father in heaven. His lovingkindness is in fact better than life! In fact, it is life!

Kindness, motivated by love; what a wonderful recipe. Try to imagine if you can that the Lord of all creation offers you His kindness which is only motivated by His extreme love for you. There are so many references to this in the Word that it literally boggles ones mind trying to get our head wrapped around this whole idea. We’ve been taught that God is mean, demanding and stingy for so long we’ve begun to believe it. There is nothing further from the truth! God is none of those things! God is kind, loving and merciful, and generous beyond our ability to grasp it. Please consider:

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Our Father in heaven thinks good thoughts towards us. He is not scheming about how to punish or discipline us. He wants to give us good things and lead us to an expected end.

Isaiah 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

When it comes right down to it, we have no idea how God can be so generous, so kind and loving and so forgiving. I know many people who readily confess that if they had the power God has, there wouldn’t be very many of us left! His patience and longsuffering is truly remarkable. Thank God He doesn’t give us what we deserve!

Lovingkindness; just let that roll off your lips a few times. Meditate on what this really means: kindness that is only motivated by love; kindness that has no ulterior motive behind it whatsoever; kindness embodied in pure love. Wow! Lovingkindness is one of the words I love best! The Lord quite literally crowns us with lovingkindness.  I for one am astounded by this revelation and I am so very, very grateful to my Father in heaven for this aspect of Himself that He has shared with us.

Lovingkindness; Praise His holy name!

Lovingkindness; Bless the Lord oh My Soul!

Lovingkindness; I will extol thee oh Lord!

LovingKindness; I will proclaim thy majesty to all the world!

LOVINGKINDNESS! I WILL GLORIFY THEE WITH EVERY BREATH OF MY MOUTH!

Oh Father, how awesome and glorious you are! Who is like unto thee oh Lord? 

Psalm 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

Praise the Lord! Bless His holy name! Bring sacrifices of praise and worship to the Lord most high! For He is worthy of it! In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.