Bible verses about kindness serve as a profound source of inspiration and guidance for those seeking to cultivate a more compassionate and loving approach to life. These sacred scriptures offer timeless wisdom on the importance of treating others with kindness, mercy, and understanding. Throughout both the Old and New Testaments, we find numerous passages that highlight kindness as a fundamental aspect of God’s character and a vital trait for His followers to emulate.
Bible Verses About Kindness
From the gentle words of Proverbs to the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Bible consistently emphasizes the transformative power of kindness. These verses not only instruct us on how to treat others but also reveal the profound impact that acts of kindness can have on both the giver and the recipient. By exploring these scriptures, we gain valuable insights into how kindness can strengthen our relationships, deepen our faith, and bring us closer to God’s vision for humanity.
In this collection of Bible verses about kindness, we will look into the various aspects of this essential virtue, examining how it manifests in our words, actions, and attitudes towards others, even in challenging circumstances.
Treating Others with Kindness
The Golden Rule is a fundamental Christian principle that emphasizes treating others with kindness and respect. These bible verses about kindness highlight the importance of putting ourselves in others’ shoes and treating them as we would want to be treated. They remind us that kindness is not just an optional virtue but a core aspect of Christian living. By showing compassion, forgiveness, and selflessness, we reflect God’s love and fulfill His commandments. These verses encourage us to go beyond mere politeness and actively seek opportunities to show kindness to everyone, regardless of their background or relationship to us.
1. 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.”
2. Luke 6:31
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
3. Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
4. 1 Peter 3:8-9
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
5. Colossians 3:12
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
6. Galatians 6:10
“Therefore, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
7. Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
8. Philippians 2:3-4
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
9. 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.”
10. 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.”
11. Zechariah 7:9-10
“This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.'”
God’s Kindness and Mercy Toward Us
These bible verses about kindness emphasize God’s own kindness and mercy towards humanity. They remind us that God’s love is not based on our merits but on His compassionate nature. These verses highlight how God’s kindness is expressed through His patience, forgiveness, and saving grace. They also show that God’s kindness is not just a passive attribute but an active force in our lives, leading us to repentance and spiritual growth. By understanding and experiencing God’s kindness, we are inspired and empowered to extend that same kindness to others, even those who may not seem to deserve it.
12. Ephesians 2:7-8
“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. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”
13. 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. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”
14. 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?”
15. Psalm 103:8
“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.”
16. Lamentations 3:22-23
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
17. Isaiah 54:10
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.”
18. Nehemiah 9:17
“They refused to listen and failed to remember the miracles you performed among them. They became stiff-necked and in their rebellion appointed a leader in order to return to their slavery. But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Therefore you did not desert them.”
19. Joel 2:13
“Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.”
20. Micah 7:18
“Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.”
21. Psalm 145:8-9
“The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.”
22. Luke 6:35-36
“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. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
Kindness in Words and Speech
These bible verses about kindness emphasize the power of our words and the importance of speaking with compassion and grace. They remind us that our speech has the potential to either build up or tear down, to heal, or to hurt. Kind words can diffuse tense situations, comfort the distressed, and encourage the downhearted. These verses teach us to be mindful of our speech, using our words to spread positivity, wisdom, and encouragement. They also highlight that kind speech is not just about saying nice things, but about speaking truth in a loving and considerate manner. By cultivating kindness in our speech, we can create an atmosphere of peace and foster healthy relationships with those around us.
23. Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
24. Ephesians 4:29
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what helps build others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
25. Proverbs 16:24
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
26. Colossians 4:6
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
27. Proverbs 31:26
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”
28. Proverbs 12:25
“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.”
29. Proverbs 18:21
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
30. James 3:17-18
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”
31. Proverbs 10:32
“The lips of the righteous know what finds favor, but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse.”
32. Psalm 19:14
“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
33. Proverbs 25:11
“A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.”
Acts of Kindness and Compassion
These bible verses about kindness emphasize the importance of putting our faith into action through acts of kindness and compassion. They remind us that true kindness goes beyond mere words and involves tangible actions to help those in need. These verses encourage us to be attentive to the needs of others, whether they are physical, emotional, or spiritual. They teach us that acts of kindness, no matter how small, are valued by God and can make a significant difference in someone’s life. By engaging in acts of kindness, we not only fulfill God’s commands but also reflect His character and love to the world around us.
34. 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, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
35. 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 donkey, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.”
36. James 2:15-16
“Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?”
37. Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”
38. Isaiah 58:7
“Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?”
39. Hebrews 13:16
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
40. Luke 6:38
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
41. 1 John 3:17-18
“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
42. Acts 20:35
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”
43. Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
44. Matthew 5:42
“Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”
Kindness as a Fruit of the Spirit
These bible verses about kindness highlight that kindness is not just a human virtue, but a spiritual fruit that grows as we allow God’s Spirit to work in our lives. They teach us that kindness is an essential characteristic of a life transformed by God’s love. These verses often mention kindness alongside other virtues, showing that it’s part of a holistic Christian character. They remind us that kindness is not something we can simply decide to have, but rather it’s cultivated through our relationship with God and practice. As we grow in our faith and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us, kindness should become an increasingly natural expression of our character, reflecting God’s nature to those around us.
45. 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.”
46. 2 Peter 1:5-7
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.”
47. Romans 12:9-10
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
48. 1 Corinthians 13:4
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”
49. Colossians 3:14
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
50. 2 Corinthians 6:6
“In purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love.”
51. Ephesians 5:9
“(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)”
52. Philippians 4:5
“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”
53. 1 Timothy 6:11
“But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.”
54. Titus 2:7-8
“In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.”
55. James 3:13
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”
Kindness in Difficult Relationships
These bible verses about kindness emphasize the importance of showing kindness even in difficult relationships or towards those who may be considered enemies. They challenge us to go beyond our natural inclinations and extend kindness to those who may not reciprocate or even deserve it. These verses teach that kindness in such situations is not a sign of weakness, but rather a powerful demonstration of God’s love and a reflection of His character. They remind us that forgiveness and kindness can break cycles of hatred and revenge, potentially transforming relationships and situations. By showing kindness in difficult relationships, we not only obey God’s commands but also open the door for healing and reconciliation.
56. Luke 6:27-28
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
57. Romans 12:20
“On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.'”
58. Matthew 5:44-45
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
59. 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.”
60. 1 Peter 3:9
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
61. Romans 12:17-18
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
62. Ephesians 4:31-32
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
63. Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
64. Luke 23:34
“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.”
65. Matthew 18:21-22
“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'”
66. Proverbs 20:22
“Do not say, ‘I’ll repay you for this wrong!’ Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.”
The Rewards of Kindness
These bible verses about kindness highlight the various rewards that come from practicing kindness. They teach us that kindness is not just beneficial for the recipient, but also the giver. These rewards can be both immediate, in the form of personal satisfaction and improved relationships, and eternal, as God promises to remember and reward our acts of kindness. The verses remind us that kindness often leads to blessings, not necessarily in material form, but in spiritual growth, inner peace, and a closer relationship with God. They encourage us to persist in kindness, even when it’s difficult or seems unrewarded, knowing that God sees our efforts and will honor them in His time and way.
67. Proverbs 11:17
“Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.”
68. 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.”
69. 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.”
70. Proverbs 14:21
“It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.”
71. Matthew 10:42
“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”
72. Proverbs 21:21
“Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.”
73. 2 Corinthians 9:6
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”
74. 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.”
75. Proverbs 22:9
“The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.”
76. Luke 14:13-14
“But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
77. Matthew 6:3-4
“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Conclusion
As we reflect on these powerful Bible verses about kindness, we are reminded of the central role this virtue plays in our spiritual journey and daily interactions. The scriptures we’ve explored offer a comprehensive guide to understanding and practicing kindness in all aspects of our lives. From showing compassion to strangers and loving our enemies to extending grace in difficult relationships, these verses challenge us to embody God’s love in tangible ways.
The Bible consistently portrays kindness not just as a desirable trait, but as a fundamental expression of our faith and a reflection of God’s character. Through these verses, we learn that kindness is both a fruit of the Spirit and a conscious choice we must make each day. They encourage us to persist in acts of kindness, even when it’s challenging or seems unrewarded, trusting in God’s promise of eternal significance for our actions.
As we strive to incorporate these teachings into our lives, may we always remember that every act of kindness, no matter how small, has the power to transform lives and reflect God’s love for the world. Let these Bible verses about kindness inspire and guide us to create a more compassionate, understanding, and loving world, one act of kindness at a time.
