“So he prayed to the Lord, and said, ‘Ah, Lord, was not this what I said when I was still in my country? Therefore I fled previously to Tarshish; for I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, One who relents from doing harm.’”
and abundant in lovingkindness,
God is kind. The English word only approximates the original word’s richness because it includes such ideas as loyalty, devotion, and faithfulness. This is God’s loyal love to His creatures. Jonah wished that God were not so loyal to the Ninevites. The word “abundant” means great. God is great in lovingkindness.
PRINCIPLE:
God is loyal in His kindness toward us.
APPLICATION:
God is loyal in His kindness toward His people. This is long-suffering love. God is determined to keep His promises to His people even in the face of their rebellion and sin.
Ne 9:17, “They refused to obey,
And they were not mindful of Your wonders
That You did among them.
But they hardened their necks,
And in their rebellion
They appointed a leader
To return to their bondage.
But You are God,
Ready to pardon,
Gracious and merciful,
Slow to anger,
Abundant in kindness,
And did not forsake them.”
Ps 36:7, “How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God!
Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.”
Ps 51:1, “Have mercy upon me, O God,
According to Your lovingkindness;
According to the multitude of Your tender mercies,
Blot out my transgressions.”
Is 63:7, “I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the Lord
And the praises of the Lord,
According to all that the Lord has bestowed on us,
And the great goodness toward the house of Israel,
Which He has bestowed on them according to His mercies
According to the multitude of His lovingkindnesses.”
Ti 3″4. “But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared . . .”
