What does the Bible say about kindness?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that kindness is a Christlike fruit of grace, shown in merciful words, generous deeds, forgiveness, and love toward both neighbors and enemies. Ephesians 4:32 calls believers to kindness and tenderhearted forgiveness because God has forgiven them in Christ. Colossians 3:12 and Galatians 6:10 portray kindness as fitting for God’s chosen people, especially within the household of faith. Jesus commands unusual goodness toward enemies in Luke 6:35, reflecting the Father’s mercy. Proverbs 11:17 and 19:17 show that kindness blesses both giver and receiver, while 1 John 3:18 insists that love must be expressed in truth and action. Such love reflects the patient, selfless character described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.
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 6:35
But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil.
- Proverbs 11:17
The merciful man does good to his own soul, But he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.
- Colossians 3:12
Put on therefore, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance;
- Proverbs 31:26
She opens her mouth with wisdom. Faithful instruction is on her tongue.
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
[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.
- Proverbs 19:17
He who has pity on the poor lends to Yahweh; He will reward him.
- 1 John 3:18
My little children, let's not love in word only, neither with the tongue only, but in deed and truth.
- Galatians 6:10
So then, as we have opportunity, let's do what is good toward all men, and especially toward those who are of the household of the faith.
- 1 Peter 3:9
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.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Nave's Topical Bible
- General scriptures concerning Leviticus 19:34; Deuteronomy 22:1-4; Psalms 112:5; Proverbs 14:21; Proverbs 19:22; Proverbs 31:26; Isaiah 11:13; Zechariah 7:9; Zechariah 7:10; Matthew 5:7; Matthew 5:42; Matthew 25:34-36
- INSTANCES OF
- Pharaoh to Jacob Genesis 45:16-20; Genesis 47:5; Genesis 47:6
- Pharaoh’s daughter to Moses Exodus 2:6-10
- Rahab to the spies Joshua 2:6-16
- David to Mephibosheth 2 Samuel 9:1-13
- Joab to Absalom 2 Samuel 14:1-24
- Ahab to Ben-hadad 1 Kings 20:32-34
- Elisha to the woman whose son he restored to life 2 Kings 8:1
- Evil-merodach to Jehoiachin 2 Kings 25:28-30
- Jehoshabeath to Joash 2 Chronicles 22:11
- The Jews to the people Nehemiah 5:8-19
- Mordecai to Esther Esther 2:7
- Nebuchadrezzar to Jeremiah Jeremiah 39:11; Jeremiah 39:12
- Joseph to Mary Matthew 1:19
- Centurion to his servant Luke 7:2-6
- The Jews to Mary and Martha John 11:19; John 11:33
- John to Mary John 19:27
- Felix to Paul Acts 24:23
- Julius to Paul Acts 27:3; Acts 27:43
- Onesiphorus to Paul 2 Timothy 1:16-18
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