What does the Bible say about kind deeds?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that believers should show sincere kindness and love as the fruit of God’s saving grace, not as a way to earn salvation. Ephesians 4:32 calls Christians to forgive and be tenderhearted because God has forgiven them in Christ, while Romans 12:10 urges devoted, honoring love within the church. First Corinthians 13:1-13 shows that even impressive service is empty without love. James 1:19-21 joins meekness and careful speech to receiving God’s word, and Philippians 4:8 directs our minds toward what is excellent and praiseworthy. Titus 3:5 reminds us that God saved us by mercy, so kind deeds flow from grateful faith and seek his glory.

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

  • 3 John 1:4

    I have no greater joy than this, to hear about my children walking in truth.

  • Ephesians 4:32

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

  • James 1:19-21

    [19] So, then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; [20] for the anger of man doesn't produce the righteousness of God. [21] Therefore, putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with humility the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

  • James 2:19

    You believe that God is one. You do well. The demons also believe, and shudder.

  • 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

    [1] If I speak with the languages of men and of angels, but don't have love, I have become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal. [2] If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but don't have love, I am nothing. [3] If I dole out all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but don't have love, it profits me nothing. [4] Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud, [5] doesn't behave itself inappropriately, doesn't seek its own way, is not provoked, takes no account of evil; [6] doesn't rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; [7] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. [8] Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will be done away with. Where there are various languages, they will cease. Where there is knowledge, it will be done away with. [9] For we know in part, and we prophesy in part; [10] but when that which is complete has come, then that which is partial will be done away with. [11] When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I felt as a child, I thought as a child. Now that I have become a man, I have put away childish things. [12] For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, even as I was also fully known. [13] But now faith, hope, and love remain--these three. The greatest of these is love.

  • Philippians 4:8

    Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things.

  • Romans 12:10

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

  • Titus 3:5

    not by works of righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,

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