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 8 votes
And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.
- Luke 6:35 5 votes
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 5 votes
The merciful man does good to his own soul, but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.
- Colossians 3:12 4 votes
Put on therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance;
- Proverbs 31:26 3 votes
She opens her mouth with wisdom. Kind instruction is on her tongue.
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 3 votes
Love is patient and is kind. Love doesn’t envy. Love doesn’t brag, is not proud, doesn’t behave itself inappropriately, doesn’t seek its own way, is not provoked, takes no account of evil; doesn’t rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.
- Proverbs 19:17 2 votes
He who has pity on the poor lends to Yahweh; he will reward him.
- 1 John 3:18 2 votes
My little children, let’s not love in word only, or with the tongue only, but in deed and truth.
- Galatians 6:10 2 votes
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 2 votes
not rendering evil for evil or insult for insult; but instead blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.
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