Lovingkindness is a central theme throughout the Bible that describes God’s steadfast, faithful, sustaining love for His people. It is rooted in covenant relationship and reveals God’s gracious, compassionate character. The Hebrew word used most often for lovingkindness is “hesed” and the Greek word is “agape.” Here is an overview of the biblical foundation for understanding lovingkindness.
Old Testament Teaching on Lovingkindness
In the Old Testament, “hesed” occurs over 200 times and is translated as lovingkindness, mercy, steadfast love, goodness, faithfulness, etc. It conveys unwavering commitment, loyalty, and faithful covenant love. Hesed love has action and moves toward those in need. Several examples demonstrate God’s hesed love in the Old Testament:
God’s Lovingkindness for His People
The book of Exodus highlights how God saw the oppression of His people in Egypt, heard their cries, and responded with salvation because of His covenant love (Exodus 2:23-25; 3:7-8). Throughout Israel’s wilderness wanderings, God provided manna, water, protection, and guidance out of His abiding hesed for them (Exodus 16:1-36; Numbers 20:1-13; Deuteronomy 1:30-33).
God’s Hesed Nature
When Moses asked to see God’s glory on Mount Sinai, God passed in front of him proclaiming, “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands…” (Exodus 34:6-7). This reveals God’s very nature is marked by unwavering covenant love.
God’s Everlasting Lovingkindness
In Psalm 136 every verse repeats the refrain “His love endures forever” – emphasizing the eternal, steadfast nature of God’s love throughout history from creation, through the exodus and wilderness wanderings, to His preservation of Israel.
Appeals for God’s Lovingkindness
Many psalms appeal to God’s faithful love in the midst of trouble and distress (Psalm 6:4; 25:6; 31:16). The psalmists recognize their salvation, help, and hope are rooted in God’s steadfast, loyal love.
Covenant Relationship
Deuteronomy 7:9 says, “Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.” Hesed love is directly tied to God’s covenant relationship with His people.
New Testament Affirmation
While the New Testament writers did not use the Hebrew word hesed, God’s unwavering, loyal love is clearly evidenced through:
Christ’s Ministry
Jesus repeatedly displayed lovingkindness during His ministry – stopping for children, healing the hurting, spending time with outcasts and sinners. He was moved with compassion and demonstrated God’s steadfast love (Matthew 14:14; Luke 7:13).
Parables on Love
Several parables highlight God’s faithful love for His people, rejoicing when the lost are found – the good shepherd, lost coin, prodigal son (Luke 15). The loving father heart of God is revealed.
Love One Another
Christ’s command for His followers to “love one another” echoes the hesed love modeled throughout Scripture (John 13:34). Lovingkindness is to be evidenced in believers’ relationships.
God’s Love through Christ
Perhaps the clearest affirmation of hesed is found in 1 John 4:9-10 – “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”
Everlasting Love
Echoing the psalms, Paul wrote nothing, “will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39). God’s faithful covenant love is eternal and enduring.
How Lovingkindness Changes Us
Understanding God’s unwavering, steadfast love for His people is meant to change us and shape our lives. Here are some key ways grasping lovingkindness impacts believers:
Deep Security
God’s hesed love provides a deep sense of security. When we comprehend His faithful commitment to us, we find confidence, comfort, and hope. Fears and worries fade in light of His love.
Powerful Motivation
Since God first loved us, we are compelled to follow Christ’s command to love one another (1 John 4:11, 19). Grasping God’s unwavering love motivates us to love and serve others.
Inspires Worship
Understanding the depth of God’s steadfast love fills our hearts with praise. We are drawn to worship the loving, faithful God who relentlessly pursues us.
Extending Grace
Having received extravagant mercy and love from God, we are called to freely extend grace to others. Freely we have received, freely we give (Matthew 10:8).
Hope in Suffering
God’s faithful love anchors our soul during trials and pain. We can trust His purpose and promises knowing His lovingkindness endures forever.
How to Grow in Lovingkindness
Since lovingkindness is so central to God’s nature and our relationship with Him, believers must grow in understanding and applying hesed. Here are some ways to grow:
Study Scripture
Regularly read and meditate on Bible passages highlighting God’s steadfast love to renew your mindset. Recall His faithfulness in the past.
Memorize Lovingkindness Verses
Choose key verses about God’s covenant love like Exodus 34:6-7 or Lamentations 3:22-23 to commit to memory. Let these truths take deep root.
Worship in Response
As you grasp the depths of God’s love more, respond in worship and praise. Sing hymns celebrating His steadfast love.
Apply Lovingkindness
Ask the Spirit to show you practical ways you can mimic God’s steadfast love to others. Look for small acts of service.
Thank God for His Love
Cultivate gratitude for God’s faithful love. Thank Him for specific ways He has demonstrated unwavering grace and mercy in your life.
Cling to His Love in Trials
During hard times, intentionally recall God’s hesed love. Cry out to Him for help and choose to trust His character.
Lovingkindness is a foundational truth woven throughout Scripture revealing the depth of God’s faithful, covenant love for His people. As we grow in understanding His steadfast love, our lives are powerfully transformed. We rest securely in His love, extend mercy to others, find hope in suffering, and worship Him in awe and wonder. God’s lovingkindness endures forever.