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The steadfast love that maintains relationships through gracious aid in times of need. Old Testament The principal word used to express kindness in the Old Testament (chesed ) bears the connotation of a loyal love which manifests itself not in emotions but in actions. Originally, this loving kindness was considered an integral part of covenant relations. It was reciprocal and expected, a deed performed in return for a previous loyalty. Rahab expected kindness in return for her kindness to the spies (Joshua 2:12 ,Joshua 2:12,2:14 ). Joseph expected kindness from the cupbearer in return for the interpretation of a dream (Genesis 40:14 ). In this sense, kindness was distinct from mercy or compassion which was more of an emotion and from grace which was not as closely associated with covenant keeping. In time, however, the concepts of kindness, mercy, and grace intermingled. Kindness was shown in social relationships as the bond between host and guest (Genesis 19:19 ), ruler and subject (2 Samuel 16:17 ), or friends (1 Samuel 20:8 ). It was the faithfulness expected of a good person (Proverbs 3:3 ). Primarily, kindness characterized the covenant relation between God and his people. God's faithful love accompanied the patriarchs and dwelt with those who kept His covenant (Genesis 24:27; Exodus 20:6 ). The Psalms developed this theme with thanksgiving for divine kindness and praise for its endurance (Psalm 86:5; Psalm 89:2 ,Psalms 89:2,89:28; Psalm 100:5; Psalm 103:8 ,Psalms 103:8,103:11 ,Psalms 103:11,103:17; Psalm 106:1; Psalm 107:1; etc.; see especially Psalm 136:1 ). Slow to anger and abounding in love became a characteristic description of Israel's Lord, distinguishing His kindness from His wrath (Exodus 34:6; Numbers 14:18; Nehemiah 9:17; Psalm 103:8; Psalm 145:8; Jonah 4:2; Joel 2:13 ). Human response to the covenant with God, however, was bewailed by the prophets as a youthful loyalty that vanished like the morning dew (Jeremiah 2:2; Hosea 6:4 ). In this situation God's kindness always has an aspect of freedom (Exodus 33:19 ) and mingles with mercy and grace. It is an everlasting love which cannot be shaken (Isaiah 54:8 ,Isaiah 54:8,54:10 ). New Testament Although both love of humankind (Acts 28:2 ) and brotherly love (2 Peter 1:7 ) are translated as kindness in the New Testament, the Greek word bearing the richest connotation is chrestotes ( kras to tas ). This word has a basic meaning of usefulness and is translated as goodness, gentleness, and kindness. Once again, actions are emphasized, especially God's gracious actions toward sinners (Titus 3:4; Romans 11:22 ). The kindness God has shown us through Christ is equivalent to his grace and embodies the fullness of salvation (Ephesians 2:7 ). When kindness is included in lists of human virtues, it can be understood as helpfulness to others prompted by an experience of God's redemptive love (2 Corinthians 6:6; Galatians 5:22; Colossians 3:12 ). Barbara J. Bruce Copyright Statement Bibliography
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chevron-right 8000 The life of the believer
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chevron-right 8291 kindness 8291 kindness The quality of compassion and generosity, characteristic of God’s dealings towards the weak and poor, and demanded of believers. The kindness is also shown in the words and deeds of Jesus Christ. To all
Ac 14:17 Paul to the pagans at Lystra. See also Jer 9:24; Lk 6:35 To his people
Isa 63:7 See also Ezr 9:9; Isa 54:8; Hos 11:4 To the king 2Sa 22:51 See also 1Ki 3:6 To individuals Ge 19:19 Lot;
Ge 24:27 Abraham; Ge 32:10 Jacob; Ge 39:21 Joseph; Ru
1:8 Ruth; Ru 2:20 Naomi; Job 10:12 Job; 2Sa 9:1-13 Mephibosheth through David Mt 9:36 See also Mt 14:14; Mt 20:34;
Mk 8:2-3; Lk 7:13; Ac 20:35; Heb
4:15 Its demonstration in the gospel Tit 3:4-5 See also Ro 11:22 God’s grace extending to the Gentiles while the Jews are judged for their unbelief;
Eph 2:7 Ps 106:7 See also 2Ch 32:24-25;
Ro 2:4 In the OT Pr 14:21; Da 4:27 See also
Pr 11:16-17; Pr 12:25; Pr 14:31;
Pr 19:17; Pr 28:8 In the NT Eph 4:32 See also 1Co 4:13; 1Co 13:4; 2Co 6:6; Gal 5:22-23 seen as the result of the Holy Spirit’s work in the believer; Col 3:12; 1Th 5:15; 2Ti 2:24 a necessary characteristic of a church leader; Tit 2:5; 2Pe 1:7 Examples of human kindnessBy unbelievers 1Sa 15:6 the Kenites to Israel; 2Ki 25:28 the king of Babylon to Jehoiachin; Ac 27:3 the centurion Julius to Paul; Ac 28:2 the Maltese islanders to Paul and his companions By
God’s people Ge 21:23 Abraham to Abimelech; Ge 47:29 Joseph to Jacob; Ge 50:21 Joseph to his brothers when he might have been expected to settle old
scores; Jos 2:12-14 the spies to Rahab Between Ruth and Boaz: Ru 2:13; Ru 3:10 Between David and Jonathan:
1Sa 20:8,14 When kindness failsThe failure to show kindness Ps 109:16 See also Jdg 8:35 the Israelites to Gideon’s family; 2Ch 10:7-8 Rehoboam to the Israelites; Job 24:21 evil men to needy women Failure to respond to kindness 2Sa 10:2-4 Failure to remember kindness 2Ch 24:22 See also
Dictionary of Bible Themes Scripture index copyright Martin H. Manser, 2009. As Editor, Martin Manser wishes to thank all those who compiled or edited the NIV Thematic Study Bible, on which this work is based. Bible Gateway Recommends Manual Bíblico Nelson, eLibro (The Nelson Bible Companion, eBook) Our Price: $11.99 Buy Now New Matthew Henry Commentary: The Classic Work with Updated Language Retail: $39.99 Our Price: $27.49 Save: $12.50 (31%) Buy Now NLT Christian Basics Bible, Brown/Tan Soft Imitation Leather with Thumb Index Retail: $54.99 Our Price: $44.99 Save: $10.00 (18%) Buy Now The New Matthew Henry Commentary / Unabridged - eBook Our Price: $19.99
Buy Now Who's Who of the Bible: Everything You Need to Know about Everyone Named in the Bible Retail: $14.99 Our Price: $11.99 Save: $3.00 (20%) Buy Now Flourish: Prayers for a Well-Tended Heart - eBook Retail: $9.99 Our Price: $7.99 Save: $2.00 (20%) Buy Now View more titles What does the Bible says about kindness?“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” These Bible verses are the perfect source of inspiration to remind you how important it is to be kind to others.
What does kindness mean in the fruit of the Spirit?The fruit of kindness is the Christ-like characteristic of behaving toward others as God has behaved toward them. It's the idea of doing thoughtful deeds to others. A Prayer For Colossians 3:12. “God has chosen you. You are holy and loved by Him.
What is an example of kindness in the Bible?One day a man was walking along the road and was suddenly robbed, beaten and left hurting. One man passed by and ignored him, and then another. Later, a Samaritan man came upon him and stopped to help. The Bible says the Samaritan man had compassion on him.
What is the real definition of kindness?What is the meaning of kindness? According to the dictionary ... Kindness is defined as the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.
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What does kindness mean in the bible
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