Something caught my eye today in Titus. Paul wrote in chapter 3, verse 4:
"But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,"
Growing up under straight-up King James, I remember hearing and reading alot about lovingkindness, as in Psalm 36:7:
"How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God!"
What I noticed today is that in Titus, two words are used as opposed to one word in the psalm. I know this isn't a big deal but I thought it was interesting.
So I did some research. The Hebrew word for "lovingkindness" means unfailing and loyal love, usually based on a prior relationship. It's the awesome and incomprehensible love that God shows to us every minute of every day. It's how He shows us how important we are to Him and it's what causes Him to bless us, grow us, discipline us, and form us into His likeness.
But "loving kindness" is talking about His kindness. The word "loving" is used to describe the kindness He showed to us when He appeared as our Savior to redeem us to Him. It was a single act of kindness, or mercy, that saved us. The loving kindness of God is Jesus Christ.
I guess all I'm saying is that the loving kindness of God allows us to receive and enjoy His lovingkindness.
Have a great Monday.
