Kindness is a powerful force that has the ability to transform lives and bring light to the world. The Bible places great importance on showing kindness to others and provides numerous examples and teachings on this topic. Join me as we dive into some inspiring Bible verses that will encourage us to cultivate a heart of kindness and make a positive impact on those around us.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Hope In Hard Times
Bible Verses About Kindness
Proverbs 3:3-4
“Let not kindness and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, So you will find favor and good repute In the sight of God and man.”
This passage from Proverbs urges us to prioritize kindness and truth in our lives. When we make them a part of our innermost being, we will be seen favorably both by God and by other people.
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”
Paul reminds us in Ephesians that kindness should be extended to others just as God has extended kindness and forgiveness to us through Christ. Being tender-hearted and forgiving towards others is a tangible representation of Christ’s love for us.
Colossians 3:12
“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
As believers, we have been chosen by God and called to live a life marked by qualities such as kindness, compassion, humility, gentleness, and patience. When we put on these virtues, we reflect the character of Christ and bring honor to God.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
Among the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians, kindness takes a prominent place. When the Holy Spirit is at work in our lives and we are led by Him, our interactions with others will be characterized by kindness.
Matthew 25:35-36
“For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.”
In this passage from Matthew, Jesus affirms the importance of showing kindness to those in need. As we care for others in practical ways, we are fulfilling Christ’s call to love and serve those around us.
1 Peter 3:8
“To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit.”
Peter exhorts believers to be kindhearted towards one another and to cultivate a spirit of humility. When we lay aside our own wants and desires and consider the needs of others, we demonstrate the love of Christ.
Titus 3:4-5
“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.”
Titus reminds us that our own salvation was made possible by the kindness of God. As we receive God’s kindness, we are motivated to extend that same kindness to others.
2 Peter 1:5-7
“Now for this reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.”
Peter lays out a blueprint for spiritual growth, which includes the development of brotherly kindness. As we grow in our relationship with God, we should also be growing in our ability to demonstrate kindness to others.
Luke 6:35
“But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men.”
Jesus commands us to show kindness even to those who are undeserving of it. As we love and serve others without expecting anything in return, we reflect the character of our Heavenly Father.
Hebrews 13:16
“And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
This verse reminds us that showing kindness to others is not just a nice thing to do, but an act of worship that brings pleasure to God. When we do good and share with others, we are demonstrating God’s love to those around us.
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor.”
As believers, we are called to be devoted to one another in brotherly love. This includes giving preference to others and putting their needs before our own. When we act in such a way, we demonstrate the kindness of Christ to those around us.
Psalm 117:2
“For His lovingkindness is great toward us, And the truth of the Lord is everlasting. Praise the Lord!”
This psalm reminds us that God’s kindness towards us is unending. As we experience His kindness, we are motivated to extend that same kindness to others and to praise Him for His goodness.
James 2:15-16
“If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,’ and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?”
James emphasizes the importance of demonstrating our kindness through practical gestures. When we provide for the needs of those around us, we show them the love of Christ in a tangible way.
Isaiah 54:10
“‘For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake, but My lovingkindness will not be removed from you, and My covenant of peace will not be shaken,’ Says the Lord who has compassion on you.”
Isaiah speaks of the unshakeable nature of God’s kindness towards us. As we trust in His unchanging character, we are empowered to extend kindness to others without fear.
Philippians 4:5
“Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.”
Paul encourages us to cultivate a gentle spirit that is characterized by kindness. When we interact with those around us in a gentle and gracious manner, we bring glory to God and demonstrate His love to those around us.
Psalm 145:9
“The Lord is good to all, and His mercies are over all His works.”
This psalm reminds us that God’s goodness and mercy extend to all of His creation. When we show kindness to others, we are participating in God’s work of bringing about His goodness and mercy in the world.
Luke 10:33-34
“But a Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion, and came to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn and took care of him.”
This parable of the Good Samaritan highlights the importance of showing kindness, even to those who are different from us. When we reach out to those in need and care for them, we demonstrate the love of Christ to the world.
Galatians 6:10
“So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.”
Paul reminds us that we have been given an opportunity to do good to all people, but especially to those in the community of faith. As we demonstrate kindness towards our brothers and sisters in Christ, we build up the body of believers and strengthen our witness to the world.
1 Corinthians 13:4
“Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant.”
This famous description of love in 1 Corinthians reminds us that kindness is an essential part of love. When we love others with a selfless and sacrificial love, we demonstrate the kindness of Christ to the world.
What does the Bible say about Kindness?
Kindness is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasized as a virtue that followers of God should exhibit in their lives. The concept of kindness is often linked to love, compassion, and generosity towards others. It is considered a reflection of God’s nature, as the Bible frequently mentions God’s kindness and encourages people to imitate it.
One of the most well-known passages about kindness is found in the New Testament, in Galatians 5:22-23, where it is listed as one of the fruits of the Spirit: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Additionally, in the Old Testament, the Hebrew word “chesed” is often used to describe God’s loving-kindness and steadfast mercy towards His people. Many times, the Bible speaks of God’s compassion and willingness to forgive, showing the importance of extending kindness to others as a reflection of God’s nature.
Various stories and parables in the Bible also highlight the significance of kindness. For example, the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) exemplifies how kindness transcends cultural and societal boundaries and should be extended to all people, regardless of their background.
Furthermore, Proverbs 19:22 emphasizes that kindness is not only beneficial to the receiver but also to the one who demonstrates it: “What is desired in a man is kindness, and a poor man is better than a liar.”
In summary, the Bible underscores the importance of kindness as a core virtue that believers should cultivate in their lives. It is seen as an expression of God’s character and a way to demonstrate love and compassion to others. The call for kindness extends to both believers and non-believers, promoting a spirit of goodwill and care towards all people.