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The concept of Loving Kindness in Christianity

Loving Kindness in Christianity reflects God's active love and compassion towards humanity, encompassing mercy and benevolence. It signifies a belief in God's enduring protective nature, even amid adversity. This concept highlights the importance of compassion in interactions and actions, as it embodies God's constant, tender-hearted love. Loving Kindness is celebrated in prayers and hymns, showcasing divine favor and the transformative power of goodwill in overcoming evil. This quality of love and compassion remains essential in promoting understanding and empathy among people.

Synonyms: Compassion, Benevolence, Affection, Goodwill, Tenderness, Kindness, Warmth, Love, Empathy, Love.

In Dutch: Liefdevolle vriendelijkheid; In Finnish: Rakastava Ystävällisyys; In Spanish: Bondad amorosa; In German: Liebende GĂĽte; In Malay: Kasih Sayang; In Swedish: Kärleksfull vänlighet; In French: µţ´Ç˛ÔłŮĂ©

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Loving Kindness'

Christianity Books

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) The text describes how God overcomes evil with good, and that He repays hate with loving kindness, and in doing so, He seeks to overcome evil, and kindle answering love.[1] (2) This represents a demonstration of affection, compassion, and benevolence, especially in the context of God's actions.[2] (3) Loving kindness is mentioned in the song of the delivered, expressing the praise for the Lord's goodness toward the house of Israel.[3] (4) This expresses the feeling of divine favor, and it is associated with meditation within a sacred space, which results in praise.[4] (5) This is the Lord's compassion and care, and if it is not understood, then the fiery trials will not be understood either.[5]

From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature

(1) A belief held by Gedaliah that God's protective and benevolent nature had not completely departed from Judah, even after its downfall.[6]

From: Hymns for Christian Devotion

(1) The compassionate and caring nature that guides actions and interactions.[7]

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) The enduring kindness and compassion of God, which is promised to remain with them.[8] (2) This term describes the Lord's actions and qualities, specifically His mercy and compassion for humanity, demonstrated through His actions and prayers for salvation.[9] (3) Loving-kindness describes the divine attribute of compassion and mercy, and is a central theme within the prayers and the service.[10] (4) A quality of warmth and compassion, reflecting the caring nature of God.[11] (5) A compassionate and benevolent disposition of God towards His people, despite their sins.[12]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Eastern Orthodoxy (or the Eastern Orthodox Church):
Eastern Orthodoxy Books

From: The Works of Dionysius the Areopagite

(1) This is the quality of love and compassion that is shown towards humanity, as revealed in the Oracles and hierarchical traditions, and is a divine attribute.[13] (2) The compassionate and benevolent nature of God towards humanity.[14] (3) A term associated with compassion and benevolence, viewed by some as equivalent to Love but distinct in context and perception.[15]

Eastern Orthodoxy, or Byzantine Christianity, is one of the three main branches of Christianity. It consists of independently governed churches with strong cultural ties to Eastern and Southeastern Europe. Eastern Orthodox theology focuses on the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Believers strive for theosis, or becoming closer to God, through grace and spiritual practices.  

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: The Little Flowers of St. Francis

(1) A quality of the gentleman reflecting a deep sense of compassion and goodwill, appreciated by St. Francis.[16]

From: Summa Theologica (English translation)

(1) This is considered a factor in Christ’s Passion that causes joy, highlighting God's benevolence in giving us deliverance.[17]

The Catholic Church is a global Christian community with over a billion members, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is led by the Pope and emphasizes the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Catholicism is a denomination centered on the teachings thereof. It has a rich theological and cultural heritage.

Significance in Protestantism (Christian movement emphasizing faith and scripture):
Protestantism Books

From: The Existence and Attributes of God

(1) Loving-kindness is described as an efflux of God's sovereign authority, and the conductors of man to an enjoyment of a greater bounty, indicating the connection between divine authority and benevolent provision.[18]

Protestantism (or simply the protestant church) is a major branch of Christianity originating from the Reformation in the 16th century, led by figures like Martin Luther. It emphasizes salvation by faith alone and the Bible as the ultimate authority. Variants of Protestantism include Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anglicanism, Methodism and Presbyterianism, each with unique practices but generally united by these core principles.

The concept of Loving Kindness in local and regional sources

History Books

Loving Kindness serves as a divine support system, as highlighted by the Pope's appeal to help Queen Ethelberg, and represents God's mercy in enlightening nations for the benefit of all, embodying compassion and support.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) An essential virtue in Hindu ethics, emphasizing compassion and care for all living entities.[19] (2) An approach of compassion and empathy, regarded as the most effective means for overcoming enmity and conflict.[20]

From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England

(1) Loving kindness is presented as a source of support, which the Pope implores for to assist Queen Ethelberg in her task of converting her consort.[21] (2) Loving kindness is the mercy of God that led Him to enlighten the nations with the knowledge of Himself for the benefit of all creatures.[22]

From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

(1) Loving kindness is a quality found in great souls, and Swamiji mentions that he gained strength from coming into contact with them.[23] (2) Loving kindness to all beings is one of the aspects of Shri Chaitanya that should be gathered, along with his heart and burning passion for God, to make his renunciation the ideal of your life.[24]