Lovingkindness – Psalm 136:23–26
How has God shown you lovingkindness?
The word that is translated as “mercy” can also be translated as “lovingkindness.” Either translation is good, but the word “mercy” may seem to indicate a one-time response. “Lovingkindness” seems to have a continual meaning. God continues to show lovingkindness to those He loves.
First, this passage says that He “remembered us in our low estate; for his mercy endureth for ever” (v. 23). According to the world’s standards, you may have been fairly good and moral, but in comparison to God’s standard of perfection, no one deserves any blessings from God. However, His mercy caused Him to “remember” and provide the means of new spiritual life—through faith in the Lord.
Second, God “redeemed [rescued] us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever” (v. 24). Because of His mercy, God provides a means of escape from Satan, the enemy of all people’s souls. If God had not shown mercy upon the human race, there would be no hope of eternal life and a relationship with Him.
Third, God “giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever” (v. 25). This means that He gives everything a person needs in order to come to Him, and then He gives that person everything that pertains to spiritual life. “His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue” (II Peter 1:3).
There is no logical reason why God should have so much lovingkindness toward people who have turned away from Him, except for the fact that He loves with an everlasting love. All you can do is to accept His mercy and be grateful.
“O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever” (v. 26).