Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His lovingkindness is everlasting. 

                                                                                                               Psalm 136:1 

Psalm 136 contains twenty-six verses of praise to God for His goodness to Israel. Echoed in each of these verses is the phrase, “For His lovingkindness is everlasting.” The truth of God’s love, being echoed in this Psalm, should be celebrated by those who are saved and have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. At the core of the gospel is the love and kindness of God toward mankind. In order to better explore this reality, let’s take a look at Paul’s expression of this truth.

But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior…

                                                                                                                        Titus 3:4-6

Notice that God is our Savior and that it is His kindness that drives His desire to see mankind redeemed. Along with the kindness of God is His love for mankind. This literally means “God’s fondness for humanity” or “His fondness for humans.” John records the words of Christ when he writes, “For God so loved the world that He gave…” (John 3:16). This same writer reminds us that love is the litmus test for Christian authenticity and that those who claim to know God must love because God is love (1 John 4:7-8). Whether we are examining the Psalms, the Gospels, or the Apostle’s letters to the church, we see that it is the kindness, love, and fondness that God has for His creation that motivated Him to send Jesus for the purpose of redemption.

Secondly, we see that salvation, forgiveness, and spiritual freedom are not acquired by doing good works but they are given according to God’s mercy. This means that the vilest of sinners can be saved when they enter into a relationship with Jesus Christ. Paul reminds us that in Jesus, forgiveness of sin is found and that, in Jesus, we are freed from the Law of Moses (Acts 13:38-39). Salvation and right standing with God are no longer on the basis of adherence to the Law rather are enjoyed by anyone placing his/her faith in Jesus.

Lastly, Christians have the Spirit of God living within them giving them the ability to be spiritually victorious. Paul expresses this pouring of the Spirit as being richly provided. The Spirit that God pours out is not a spirit of fear rather a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Christians are the children of God and are fellow heirs of His kingdom. Everything needed for an abundant life here on earth and life with God in eternity has been provided for “all who call on the name of the Lord” (John 10:10, Romans 10:12-13).

As you read Psalm 136, notice the echoing and declaration of the love and kindness of God, then stop and thank Him for the salvation and abundance of His Spirit that He has so richly given to us.