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What does the Bible say about being kind to others?

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The Bible calls believers to reflect God’s mercy by treating others with sincere love, compassion, hospitality, humility, and practical care. Ephesians 4:32 points to God’s forgiveness in Christ as the pattern for kindness, while Luke 6:31 teaches us to treat others as we would wish to be treated. Jesus says in John 13:34-35 that sacrificial love identifies His disciples. Romans 12:9-13 and Colossians 3:12-14 urge genuine affection, generosity, patience, and forgiveness within the church. Such kindness is not mere politeness but the fruit of the Spirit, as Galatians 5:22-23 teaches, flowing from faith and seeking our neighbor’s good for God’s glory.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Ephesians 4:32

    And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.

  • Luke 6:31

    "As you would like people to do to you, do exactly so to them.

  • John 13:34-35

    [34] A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, just like I have loved you; that you also love one another. [35] By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

  • 1 Peter 4:9

    Be hospitable one to another without grumbling.

  • Galatians 5:22-23

    [22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

  • Hebrews 13:1-2

    [1] Let brotherly love continue. [2] Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for in doing so, some have entertained angels without knowing it.

  • 1 Peter 3:8-12

    [8] Finally, be all like-minded, compassionate, loving as brothers, tenderhearted, courteous, [9] not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but instead blessing; knowing that to this were you called, that you may inherit a blessing. [10] For, "He who would love life, And see good days, Let him keep his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit. [11] Let him turn away from evil, and do good. Let him seek peace, and pursue it. [12] For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And his ears open to their prayer; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

  • Romans 12:9-13

    [9] Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good. [10] In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate one to another; in honor preferring one another; [11] not lagging in diligence; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; [12] rejoicing in hope; enduring in troubles; continuing steadfastly in prayer; [13] contributing to the needs of the saints; given to hospitality.

  • Colossians 3:12-14

    [12] Put on therefore, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance; [13] bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do. [14] Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection.

  • Hebrews 13:2

    Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for in doing so, some have entertained angels without knowing it.

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