Kindness is a virtue that is often emphasized in the Bible. From the teachings of Jesus to the stories of the Old Testament, there are numerous verses that encourage us to be kind to one another.
Today, we will explore some of the most powerful and inspirational Bible verses about being kind. Whether you are looking to deepen your understanding of kindness or seeking guidance on how to be more compassionate, these verses offer valuable insights and messages for everyone.
Also Read:25 Bible Verses About Unconditional Love (With Commentary)
Bible Verses About Being Kind
Matthew 7:12
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
This verse, also known as the Golden Rule, encourages us to treat others with kindness and respect. It reminds us to consider how we would like to be treated and extend that same kindness to others. When we live by this principle, we create an atmosphere of love and compassion, building positive relationships and fostering a sense of unity.
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Kindness and compassion go hand in hand, and this verse emphasizes the importance of both qualities in our interactions with others. It encourages us to be understanding and forgiving, just as God has shown us immense forgiveness through Christ. When we extend kindness and compassion to others, we demonstrate God’s love and grace in action.
Proverbs 3:3-4
“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.”
This verse reminds us that kindness should be rooted in love and faithfulness. When we internalize these qualities, they become a part of who we are, guiding our actions and attitudes. By demonstrating kindness, we not only please God, but we also gain favor and a positive reputation among others.
Colossians 3:12
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
As God’s chosen people, we are called to embody kindness and compassion. This verse reminds us to intentionally “clothe” ourselves with these virtues, allowing them to shape our character and interactions with others. Through kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, we reflect the nature of Christ and bring glory to God.
Luke 6:31
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
Similar to Matthew 7:12, this verse reiterates the importance of treating others with kindness and respect. By putting ourselves in the shoes of others and considering how we would like to be treated, we can cultivate a mindset of empathy and compassion, making kindness a natural response in our daily interactions.
Galatians 5:22-23
“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.”
Kindness is listed among the fruits of the Spirit, which are the external manifestations of the Holy Spirit’s work within us. When we allow the Spirit to guide us, kindness becomes a natural outpouring of our transformed hearts. It is a powerful testimony to the presence and work of God in our lives.
Proverbs 19:22
“What a person desires is unfailing love; better to be poor than a liar.”
This verse highlights the importance of showing unfailing love to others, which includes kindness and compassion. It reveals that genuine love is a precious and desirable virtue, far more valuable than material wealth. A kind and loving heart is a reflection of Christ’s love within us.
Titus 3:4-5
“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.”
This verse reminds us of the ultimate act of kindness and love – God’s salvation through Jesus Christ. It emphasizes that our own salvation is not based on our righteous deeds, but on God’s mercy and grace. When we extend kindness to others, we emulate God’s sacrificial love and become vessels of His mercy.
Romans 2:4
“Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?”
In this verse, we are reminded of God’s kindness as a catalyst for repentance and reconciliation. It calls us to reconsider our attitudes and actions towards others, recognizing that God’s kindness is intended to shape our own hearts and lead us to a place of forgiveness and transformation.
1 Peter 3:8
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”
This verse provides a comprehensive guideline for our interactions with others. It encourages us to be like-minded, united in purpose and love. It urges us to demonstrate sympathy, love, compassion, and humility, creating an environment of kindness and understanding among believers.
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
Kindness involves prioritizing the needs and well-being of others before our own. This verse encourages us to devote ourselves to one another in love, valuing and honoring each other. When we demonstrate this kind of selfless love, we create an atmosphere of kindness and unity within our Christian community.
Proverbs 11:17
“Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.”
This verse highlights the reciprocal nature of kindness. When we choose to be kind towards others, we not only benefit them but also ourselves. Kindness cultivates healthy relationships, fosters trust, and brings blessings into our lives. Conversely, cruelty and unkindness lead to destruction and brokenness.
Proverbs 16:24
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
Our words have the power to either build up or tear down others. This verse illustrates that kind and gracious words have a positive effect on both the recipient and the speaker. They bring sweetness to the soul and promote healing. Through our words, we can show kindness and bless others.
Proverbs 31:26
“She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of using our words wisely and kindly. A woman of virtue, described in this passage, is one who speaks with wisdom, offering faithful instruction. Kindness is not just about our actions but also about how we communicate with others, using our words to uplift and encourage.
Luke 10:33-34
“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.”
This parable of the Good Samaritan exemplifies kindness in action. The Samaritan showed compassion and went out of his way to help a stranger in need. It challenges us to extend kindness not only to those we know but also to those we encounter along our journeys.
Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Acts of kindness may go unnoticed or unappreciated, but this verse encourages us to persevere. It reminds us that even if we do not see immediate results, our acts of kindness are not in vain. God sees our efforts and will reward us in due time.
Romans 13:10
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”
This verse reminds us that true love, which includes kindness, seeks the well-being of others. When we love our neighbors, we naturally avoid harming them and strive to act in their best interests. The fulfillment of the law lies in our love for others, displayed through acts of kindness.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of kindness towards our neighbors and those in need. When we show generosity to the poor and marginalized, we align ourselves with God’s heart for justice, compassion, and kindness. It brings blessings not only to those we help but also to ourselves.
Proverbs 22:9
“The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.”
Generosity and kindness go hand in hand, and this verse reveals the reciprocal nature of kindness. When we willingly share with those in need, we not only bless them with our resources but also open ourselves up to receive blessings from God. Kindness begets kindness.
Hebrews 6:10
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”
Our acts of kindness and service to others do not go unnoticed by God. This verse assures us that He acknowledges and remembers the love we show to His people. When we help and extend kindness to others, we are fulfilling God’s call to love and serve, and He will reward our faithfulness.
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
This verse encourages us to prioritize love in our relationships with others. When we choose to love deeply, it naturally leads to kindness, forgiveness, and grace. Love has the power to heal and restore, covering over the mistakes and shortcomings of others.
Proverbs 25:21-22
“If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.”
This verse goes beyond kindness towards friends and acquaintances, challenging us to extend kindness even to our enemies. By responding to their needs with acts of love and compassion, we disarm them and create an opportunity for reconciliation. God promises to reward our obedience and faithful acts of kindness.
Romans 15:2
“Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.”
This verse highlights the purpose of kindness – to please and uplift our neighbors. When we have the opportunity to build others up, we should seize it. Kindness has the power to bring encouragement, hope, and strength to those around us, and it reflects our love for Christ.
Matthew 25:40
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'”
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the significance of showing kindness and compassion to those in need. When we extend kindness towards the marginalized and vulnerable, we are honoring Christ Himself. Our acts of kindness towards others become acts of worship and service to the King.
Luke 6:35
“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.”
Our kindness should extend even to those who may not appreciate or reciprocate it. This verse challenges us to love our enemies, do good to them, and lend without expectation. It reminds us that true kindness involves selflessness and reflects the very nature of God, who shows kindness even to the ungrateful and wicked.
What Does the Bible Say About Being Kind?
In the Bible, there are numerous references and teachings that emphasize the importance of being kind. As followers of the Christian faith, we are encouraged to embody kindness in our thoughts, words, and actions. Let’s explore some key biblical principles on kindness:
1. Love Your Neighbor: One of the central teachings of the Bible is to love your neighbor as yourself. In Matthew 22:39, Jesus says, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” This commandment underscores the importance of treating others with the same care and kindness that we would want for ourselves.
2. The Golden Rule: In Matthew 7:12, Jesus teaches, “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them.” This principle, often referred to as the Golden Rule, emphasizes the reciprocity of kindness. We are called to treat others the way we want to be treated.
3. Compassion and Mercy: Throughout the Bible, there are numerous stories and passages that highlight God’s compassion and mercy toward humanity. As God’s children, we are encouraged to show the same compassion and mercy to others. Micah 6:8 urges us to “do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.”
4. Helping Those in Need: The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of helping those who are less fortunate. Proverbs 19:17 states, “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” Acts of kindness, particularly towards the needy, are seen as acts of service to God.
5. Forgiveness: Forgiveness is another aspect of kindness that the Bible teaches. In Colossians 3:13, we are told to “bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” This emphasizes the importance of letting go of grudges and extending forgiveness to others.
6. Fruit of the Spirit: Galatians 5:22-23 speaks of the “fruit of the Spirit,” which includes kindness. It says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Kindness is seen as evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives.
In summary, the Bible repeatedly emphasizes the importance of kindness as a fundamental principle of the Christian faith. We are called to love our neighbors, show compassion, help those in need, forgive others, and let kindness be a visible manifestation of our faith. In doing so, we not only follow God’s teachings but also contribute to creating a more compassionate and loving world.