What does the Bible say about acts of kindness?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that God’s people are to show active, sincere kindness to others as a fruit of grace and love. Ephesians 4:32 calls believers to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving because God has forgiven them in Christ. Galatians 5:22-23 identifies kindness as fruit produced by the Holy Spirit, not merely human effort. Jesus commands love even toward enemies and urges His followers to treat others as they would wish to be treated in Luke 6:27-31. Such love is expressed in practical generosity, humble devotion, and costly service, as Acts 20:35, Romans 12:10, and 1 John 3:18 teach. Christian kindness reflects Christ’s self-giving love and points others to Him.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Ephesians 4:32 8 votes
And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.
- Galatians 5:22-23 5 votes
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
- Luke 6:38 5 votes
“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be given to you. For with the same measure you measure it will be measured back to you.”
- Luke 6:27-31 4 votes
“But I tell you who hear: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you. To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer also the other; and from him who takes away your cloak, don’t withhold your coat also. Give to everyone who asks you, and don’t ask him who takes away your goods to give them back again. “As you would like people to do to you, do exactly so to them.
- John 13:34 3 votes
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also love one another.
- Acts 20:35 3 votes
In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring you ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
- 1 John 3:18 3 votes
My little children, let’s not love in word only, or with the tongue only, but in deed and truth.
- 1 Corinthians 13:4 3 votes
Love is patient and is kind. Love doesn’t envy. Love doesn’t brag, is not proud,
- John 15:13 3 votes
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
- Romans 12:10 2 votes
In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate to one another; in honor prefer one another,
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