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, judgment 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 judgment 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.
