Explain Bible

What does the Bible say about how to treat others?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that believers should treat others with the same merciful, truthful, self-giving love they have received from God in Christ. Jesus gives the Golden Rule in Luke 6:31 and Matthew 7:12, calling us to seek our neighbor's good. Ephesians 4:29-32 urges kind speech, tender hearts, forgiveness, and words that build up, because God has forgiven us in Christ. John 15:12 and 1 John 4:20-21 show that love for God must be expressed in love for fellow people. Romans 12:10 and Romans 15:1-2 call Christians to honor one another and bear with the weak, while Proverbs 24:17 forbids delight in an enemy's fall.

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.

  • Ephesians 4:29-32

    [29] Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for building up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear. [30] Don't grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. [31] Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander, be put away from you, with all malice. [32] And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.

  • John 15:12

    "This is my commandment, that you love one another, even as I have loved you.

  • Matthew 7:12

    Therefore whatever you desire for men to do to you, you shall also do to them; for this is the law and the prophets.

  • 1 John 4:20-21

    [20] If a man says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who doesn't love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? [21] This commandment we have from him, that he who loves God should also love his brother.

  • Romans 12:10

    In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate one to another; in honor preferring one another;

  • Proverbs 24:17

    Don't rejoice when your enemy falls. Don't let your heart be glad when he is overthrown;

  • Romans 15:1-2

    [1] Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of the weak, and not to please ourselves. [2] Let each one of us please his neighbor for that which is good, to be building him up.

  • 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."

Related topics

Go deeper

Ask Explain Bible AI about how to treat others and get a fuller answer from a Reformed theological perspective.

Ask what the Bible says about how to treat others