Loving-kindness is two actions in one. It means tender consideration towards others coupled with empathy that compels action. The word comes from the Hebrew root “chasad,” which conveys an “eager or ardent desire.”

Scripture shows that God has always been eager to show His tender consideration toward humanity.

When Adam and Eve were embarrassed over their nakedness, God showed His loving-kindness by fashioning clothes for them.

When the enslaved Israelites cried out to God, He led them to freedom and gave them a home “flowing with milk and honey.”

God was tender-hearted to the children and even the animals of Ninevah when He sent Jonah to bid the grownups there to repent.

God was tender to the tears of barren women who cried out to Him in scripture.

When God saw the burdens the religious leaders were pressing on His people, He sent Jesus in loving-kindness to show a better way to live.

God’s ears have always been open to the prayers of the shamed, the abused, and the burdened. His loving-kindness, His comfort, is offered to all the world. We can cry out to Him. His ardent desire is for us, too.