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Bible Verses About Kindness

Showing Christ's love

Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit that reflects God's character and demonstrates Christ's love to others. The Bible calls us to be kind and compassionate to one another, showing tenderness and consideration in our words and actions. In a harsh world, Christian kindness stands out as a powerful witness to God's transforming grace.

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What the Bible Says About Kindness

Ephesians 4:32 provides the biblical standard for kindness: "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Our motivation for kindness isn't cultural politeness but imitating the kindness God showed us. When we were His enemies, God demonstrated kindness by forgiving us through Christ. This same kindness should characterize how we treat others.

Kindness is listed as a fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23, indicating it's produced by the Holy Spirit's work in us, not merely by good manners or upbringing. As we yield to the Spirit, He develops kindness in us that goes beyond superficial niceness to genuine care for others' well-being. This supernatural kindness loves even the unlovely and shows compassion to those who don't deserve it.

Proverbs 11:17 states, "Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves." Kindness isn't just good for those who receive it—it benefits those who practice it. Kind people experience relational health, peace of conscience, and God's favor. Cruelty, by contrast, ultimately destroys the one who practices it, damaging their soul and relationships.

Romans 2:4 reveals that God's kindness is designed to lead us to repentance. When people experience genuine kindness—especially unexpected, undeserved kindness—it can melt hard hearts and draw them toward God. Our kindness to others, therefore, is not just about being nice but about reflecting God's character in a way that points people to Him. In a world full of harshness, our kindness can be revolutionary.

Key Verses on Kindness

Ephesians 4:32

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

Paul connects kindness with compassion and forgiveness, rooting all three in God's kindness toward us in Christ. We extend kindness not because others deserve it but because we've received abundant kindness from God that we don't deserve.

Colossians 3:12

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."

Paul instructs believers to 'clothe themselves' with kindness as part of their new identity in Christ. Kindness is something we intentionally put on, like getting dressed each morning. It should characterize how we interact with everyone.

Proverbs 11:17

"Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves."

Solomon reveals that kindness benefits the one practicing it. Kind people experience relational health and personal peace, while cruelty ultimately destroys those who practice it. Kindness is wise; cruelty is foolish.

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?"

Paul explains that God's kindness has a purpose: leading people to repentance. When we experience genuine kindness, especially when we don't deserve it, it can soften our hearts toward God. Our kindness to others can serve the same purpose.

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."

Jesus calls us to show kindness even to enemies, following God's example of being kind to the ungrateful and wicked. This radical kindness demonstrates that we're God's children and will result in great reward.

Proverbs 31:26

"She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue."

The noble woman of Proverbs 31 is characterized by kind words. Her speech isn't harsh or critical but wise and instructive, delivered with kindness. Our words are a primary way we either show kindness or wound others.

Practical Application

  • 1

    Look for opportunities each day to show unexpected kindness—paying for someone's coffee, offering encouragement, or helping with a practical need.

  • 2

    Practice kind speech by speaking words that build up rather than tear down, and by choosing gentle tones even in correction or disagreement.

  • 3

    Extend kindness especially to those who are difficult or unkind to you, following God's example of being kind to the ungrateful and wicked.

  • 4

    When tempted to be harsh or critical, pause and ask, 'How would Christ respond with kindness in this situation?'

  • 5

    Make kindness a family or community value by celebrating when you see others showing kindness and encouraging kind behavior.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does your kindness reflect the kindness God has shown you in Christ?
  • Are there people you're withholding kindness from because you don't think they deserve it?
  • How can you show kindness in practical ways to someone in your life this week?
  • In what situations are you most tempted to be harsh instead of kind, and how can you prepare to respond with kindness instead?

Prayer Points

  • Thank God for His kindness toward you, especially the kindness that led to your salvation.
  • Ask the Holy Spirit to develop the fruit of kindness in you, making it a natural expression of your character.
  • Pray for opportunities to show unexpected kindness that might point others toward God.
  • Ask for grace to be kind even to those who are difficult or unkind to you.

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