Kindness is a value that the Bible places in high regard. In several instances, the Bible references the principle of kindness, promoting it as an essential quality to embrace and practice in one’s daily life. Kindness’s importance is indeed emphasized throughout the Bible, making it clear that practicing kindness plays a significant role in living a life of love and understanding.
What Does the Bible Teach About Kindness?
The Bible outlines kindness as a heartfelt act of generosity and compassion towards others. It delivers a firm message that kindness should be given without expecting anything in return. The Bible teaches that being kind means demonstrating love, patience, tolerance, and forgiveness, which are cornerstones of a virtuous life. Kindness, according to the Bible, extends beyond mere acts of politeness; it’s a fundamental element of our human relationships.
Where is Kindness Highlighted in the Bible?
Kindness permeates the pages of the Bible, be it in the Old or New Testament. Significant narratives highlighting kindness range from the stories of the Good Samaritan to Jesus’ various kind deeds performed during his lifetime. The Bible underscores the fact that acts of kindness can often be simple—in our words and deeds—yet have a profound impact on the receiver. Moreover, the Bible emphasizes how kindness is able to bridge divides, bring healing, and foster unity, compassion, and love among individuals and communities.
Why Does the Bible Place Emphasis on Kindness?
The Bible places emphasis on kindness as it firmly believes in the transformative power of this value. It lays the foundation of understanding that kindness can change hearts, mend relationships, and create a more compassionate world. Kindness is a reflection of God’s love and mercy towards humanity. The Bible emphasizes kindness not only as an individual virtue but also as a community value, suggesting that kindness should be woven into the fabric of societal norms and values.
When Does the Bible Encourage Kindness?
The Bible encourages kindness at all times, regardless of the circumstances. It urges individuals to practice kindness in the face of both prosperity and adversity, to friends and foes alike. Nurturing kindness when faced with negativity is particularly amplified. The Bible’s teachings make it clear that kindness should not be conditional or selective; it must permeate all actions, thoughts, and words, always. It encourages kindness as a proactive response, symbolising discipline, restraint, and an unwavering commitment to love and empathy.
Who Beneficiary of Kindness in the Bible?
The Bible elucidates that everyone can be a beneficiary of kindness. Even the smallest act of kindness, when delivered with sincerity, can positively affect people’s lives. Whether you’re the receiver or the giver, kindness leaves a lasting impression. The Bible suggests that even the person extending kindness reaps benefits. It recognizes kindness as a two-way street, bringing joy, peace, and satisfaction to both the giver and the receiver, intertwining their lives in bonds of mutual respect and love.
Below is our full list of bible verses on kindness (King James Version – KJV) provided in ranked order.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Kindness
Ephesians 4:32
“32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
Related Themes: Trespassing Forgiveness Bitterness Reconciliation
Luke 6:35
“35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.”
Related Themes: Love Money Finances Selflessness
Proverbs 11:17
“17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.”
Colossians 3:12
“12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;”
Proverbs 31:26
“26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.”
Proverbs 19:17
“17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.”
Related Themes: Homelessness Strangers Business Money Serving The Poor
1 John 3:18
“18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”
Related Themes: Telling The Truth Love Arguing Serving Others
Galatians 6:10
“10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”
Related Themes: Benevolence Volunteering Reaping What You Sow Caring
1 Peter 3:9
“9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.”
Related Themes: Revenge Peace Vindictiveness Arguing
Galatians 5:22
“22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,”
Related Themes: Holy Spirit Arguing Criticism Self-Control Strangers
Romans 11:22
“22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.”
Related Themes: Benevolence Vindictiveness
1 Peter 4:8
“8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.”
Related Themes: Love Criticism Dating Marriage Friendship
Acts 20:35
“35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Related Themes: Money Serving Others Charity Generosity Finances
1 Corinthians 13:4
“4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,”
Romans 2:4
“4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?”
Related Themes: Repentance Patience Benevolence Suffering
Colossians 3:14
“14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.”
Galatians 5:22-23
“22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
Related Themes: Holy Spirit Arguing Criticism Self-Control Strangers
1 John 3:17
“17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?”
Related Themes: Homelessness Selfishness Money Serving The Poor
Micah 6:8
“8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”
Related Themes: Humility Justice Strangers Business Social Justice
1 Peter 3:8
“8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:”
Related Themes: Humility Empathy Selflessness Judging Others Vindictiveness
Proverbs 19:22
“22 The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.”
Related Themes: Money Telling The Truth Finances Loyalty
Proverbs 21:21
“21 He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.”
Matthew 5:42
“42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.”
Related Themes: Money Homelessness Finances Benevolence Serving The Poor
Ephesians 4:29
“29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”
Related Themes: Gossip Criticism Complaining Judging Others Cursing
Matthew 25:34-36
“34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.”
Related Themes: Homelessness Hospitality Benevolence Homelessness
2 Peter 1:7
“7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.”
Proverbs 14:21
“21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.”
Related Themes: Homelessness Serving The Poor Serving Others Mercy
Romans 15:2
“2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.”
Related Themes: Pleasing God Encouragement
Acts 28:2
“2 And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.”
Related Themes: Hospitality
