Kindness is a universal virtue that the Bible encourages us to embrace. Join us as we explore verses that emphasize the importance of showing kindness to others and the profound impact it can have on our lives.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Leaving The Past Behind
Bible Verses About Being Kind To Others
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of showing love and honor to one another. It encourages us to prioritize the needs and well-being of others above our own.
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
This verse reminds us to be kind and compassionate to one another, following the example of Christ’s forgiveness. It teaches us the value of extending grace and forgiveness to those around us.
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.”
These verses highlight that kindness is a characteristic that should naturally flow from a life surrendered to the Holy Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit includes kindness, and as we grow in our relationship with God, we should seek to nurture and display this fruit in our interactions with others.
Colossians 3:12
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
This verse reminds us that kindness is not merely an action but should be a part of our identity as God’s chosen and beloved people. Just as we clothe ourselves physically, we are called to clothe ourselves with kindness, showing it as a constant aspect of our character.
Luke 6:31
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
Known as the Golden Rule, this verse encourages us to treat others with the same kindness and respect that we desire for ourselves. It calls us to consider the impact of our words and actions on others and strive to be a blessing to them.
Proverbs 11:17
“Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.”
This verse highlights the positive impact of kindness on both ourselves and others. It reminds us that kindness is not only beneficial for the recipient but also brings blessings and favor into our own lives.
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.”
In this verse, kindness is associated with love and faithfulness. It teaches us that these virtues should be deeply ingrained in our hearts and guide our interactions with others. By living out kindness, we can find favor with both God and people.
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 that our own redemption is a result of God’s kindness and love. It demonstrates that kindness is not limited to our interactions with others but is ultimately an outflow of the kindness we have received from God.
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.”
Similar to Luke 6:31, this verse summarizes the importance of treating others with kindness, encapsulating the essence of the Law and the teachings of the prophets.
Proverbs 21:21
“Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor.”
This verse highlights the rewards of pursuing righteousness and kindness. It assures us that a life characterized by kindness leads to abundant life, righteousness, and honor.
1 Corinthians 13:4
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”
In the famous “love chapter” of the Bible, kindness is listed as one of the defining characteristics of love. It reveals that love is not merely an emotion but is expressed through acts of kindness towards others.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”
This verse highlights the connection between kindness and generosity. It encourages us to bless and be kind to those in need, reminding us that such actions are pleasing to God.
2 Corinthians 6:6
“In purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love.”
This verse includes kindness among the attributes that should characterize a believer’s life. It teaches us that kindness is a reflection of our unity with the Holy Spirit and our sincere love for others.
Luke 10:33-37
“But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”
This parable of the Good Samaritan serves as a powerful example of kindness in action. It challenges us to demonstrate compassion and practical care for those in need, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Colossians 4:6
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
This verse encourages us to use our words and conversations as opportunities to extend kindness and grace to others. It reminds us to consider our speech carefully and ensure that kindness is present in all our interactions.
Proverbs 19:22
“What is desired in a man is steadfast love, and a poor man is better than a liar.”
This verse emphasizes that steadfast love – which includes kindness – is highly valued by God. It also highlights the importance of integrity and honesty, as a poor individual who is truthful is considered better than a liar.
Proverbs 31:26
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”
This verse describes the virtuous woman as one who speaks wisdom and kindness. It reminds us that our words have the power to bring comfort, encouragement, and healing when laced with kindness.
1 Peter 3:8
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”
Kindness is closely associated with sympathy, compassion, and humility in this verse. It instructs believers to cultivate these qualities in their relationships with one another, reflecting the kindness of Christ.
Proverbs 10:19
“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.”
This verse cautions against the harmful effects of unkind words or gossip. It reminds us that choosing silence or using our words wisely can prevent further harm and contribute to a culture of kindness.
Proverbs 11:25
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
This powerful verse highlights the reciprocal nature of kindness. It assures us that as we refresh and show kindness to those around us, we will also be refreshed and prospered in return.
Ephesians 2:7
“…in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.”
These verses affirm that the kindness we experience from God is immeasurable and rooted in His grace. This serves as a motivation to extend kindness to others, reflecting God’s kindness and love towards us.
1 Thessalonians 5:15
“Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.”
This verse encourages believers to seek the good of others and avoid retaliating or seeking revenge. It reminds us to prioritize kindness and to be agents of peace and reconciliation.
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
While not directly mentioning kindness, this verse reminds us of God’s constant presence and His willingness to strengthen and help us. It encourages us to walk in kindness, knowing that we have the support and guidance of our loving and powerful God.
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.”
This verse teaches us to extend kindness even to our enemies and those who have wronged us. It points out that God Himself shows kindness to the ungrateful and wicked, setting an example for us to follow.
John 13:34-35
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”
These verses remind us of the command to love one another, which includes showing kindness. It reveals that our kindness towards each other has a powerful impact on the world and is a testimony to our discipleship.
1 Corinthians 16:14
“Do everything in love.”
As we strive to do everything in love, kindness becomes an inseparable part of our actions and attitudes. This verse challenges us to approach all aspects of our lives with love at the forefront, significantly impacting the way we treat others.
Kindness is an essential virtue that Christians are called to embody in their daily lives. These verses provide guidance and encouragement to be kind to others, showing love, compassion, and grace. Kindness is not merely a random act, but it should be an integral part of our character as followers of Christ. As we grow in our relationship with God and submit to the leading of the Holy Spirit, kindness should become a natural outflow of His love working through us. May these verses inspire and challenge us to be a source of kindness, reflecting the heart of our loving Heavenly Father.
What Does the Bible Say About Being Kind To Others?
The Bible emphasizes the importance of being kind to others throughout its teachings. In the book of Ephesians, we are encouraged to “be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). This verse reminds us that our kindness towards others should stem from the forgiveness and grace we have received from God through Christ.
Additionally, in 1 Peter 3:8-9, we are instructed to “have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.” This passage underscores the importance of showing kindness and compassion even in the face of mistreatment or hostility.
Jesus Himself also taught about the significance of kindness in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), where He illustrated that true neighborly love involves actively showing kindness and mercy to those in need, regardless of cultural or social barriers.
As followers of Christ, our conduct towards others should be characterized by kindness, empathy, and compassion. When we extend kindness to others, we reflect the love and character of Christ, and we fulfill the command to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:31). Therefore, let us strive to be kind to one another, imitating the kindness and love that God has shown us, and thereby glorify Him through our actions.