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What does the Bible say about kindness to one another?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible calls believers to show gracious, practical kindness to one another as the fruit of God’s mercy in Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 4:32 grounds this command in God’s forgiveness, urging Christians to be tenderhearted and forgiving. Zechariah 7:9-10 joins kindness with justice, mercy, and care for the vulnerable, while 1 John 4:20-21 teaches that love for God must appear in love for fellow believers. Galatians 5:22-23 and 2 Peter 1:5-7 portray kindness as growing Christian character, not mere natural politeness. Jesus calls His people to love even enemies (Luke 6:35), and 1 Corinthians 13:4 reminds us that genuine love is kind.

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

  • Ephesians 4:32 16 votes

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

  • Zechariah 7:9-10 6 votes

    “Thus has Yahweh of Armies spoken, saying, ‘Execute true judgment, and show kindness and compassion every man to his brother. Don’t oppress the widow, the fatherless, the foreigner, nor the poor; and let none of you devise evil against his brother in your heart.’

  • 1 John 4:20-21 5 votes

    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? This commandment we have from him, that he who loves God should also love his brother.

  • Galatians 5:22-23 5 votes

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

  • Titus 3:1-15 3 votes

    Remind them to be in subjection to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all humility toward all men. For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love toward mankind appeared, 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, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior; that being justified by his grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This saying is faithful, and concerning these things I desire that you insist confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men; but shun foolish questionings, genealogies, strife, and disputes about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. Avoid a factious man after a first and second warning, knowing that such a one is perverted and sinful, being self-condemned. When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me to Nicopolis, for I have determined to winter there. Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey speedily, that nothing may be lacking for them. Let our people also learn to maintain good works to meet necessary needs, that they may not be unfruitful. All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.

  • 2 Peter 1:5-7 3 votes

    Yes, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence; and in moral excellence, knowledge; and in knowledge, self-control; and in self-control, perseverance; and in perseverance, godliness; and in godliness, brotherly affection; and in brotherly affection, love.

  • Matthew 7:24-27 3 votes

    “Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on a rock. The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it didn’t fall, for it was founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of mine and doesn’t do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell—and its fall was great.”

  • 2 Peter 1:7 3 votes

    and in godliness, brotherly affection; and in brotherly affection, love.

  • Luke 6:35 2 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.

  • 1 Corinthians 13:4 2 votes

    Love is patient and is kind. Love doesn’t envy. Love doesn’t brag, is not proud,

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