40+ Bible Verses About Being Kind I [2024]

“Kindness is more than just a virtue; it’s a reflection of God’s love.”

Kindness is a core principle found throughout the Bible. It is not just an act or a fleeting gesture but a way of living that reflects God’s love for humanity. In a world that can often be harsh and unkind, embracing biblical kindness allows us to stand as beacons of light, demonstrating the heart of Christ in our daily interactions.

From small acts of generosity to life-changing moments of compassion, the Bible teaches us how essential kindness is to living a life that honors God.

In today’s fast-paced world, it is easy to forget the power of kindness. But the Bible continuously reminds us to be kind, not only to those we love but also to strangers and even our enemies. These verses serve as a guide on how to show compassion and kindness, mirroring the way Jesus loved and served others.

By following these teachings, we open our hearts to God’s work, allowing kindness to be the foundation of our actions.

This article will explore 40+ Bible verses about being kind, providing insights into how each scripture encourages us to embrace kindness. Accompanying each verse will be real-life examples, illustrating how you can incorporate these teachings into your everyday life. Let’s dive into the profound wisdom the Bible offers about kindness and how it shapes our walk with God.

1. Ephesians 4:32

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Example: When Sarah forgave her coworker for a misunderstanding, she embodied this verse, showing that kindness often involves forgiveness, just as God forgives us.

2. Colossians 3:12

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
Example: Tim made it a habit to be patient and kind with others, especially in stressful situations, reflecting the heart of God’s chosen people.

3. Proverbs 11:17

“A kind person benefits himself, but a cruel person brings ruin on himself.”
Example: John realized that by treating others with kindness, not only did he build better relationships, but he also experienced inner peace.

4. 1 Corinthians 13:4

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”
Example: Jessica demonstrated patience and kindness in her marriage, understanding that love requires these qualities to thrive.

5. Proverbs 19:17

“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”
Example: Rachel often helped those less fortunate, knowing that her acts of kindness were seen and rewarded by God.

6. Luke 6:35

“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back.”
Example: When Mark chose to help a difficult colleague without expecting anything in return, he lived out this verse by showing love to those who were not kind to him.

7. Galatians 6:9-10

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Example: Despite feeling exhausted, Emily continued her charity work, trusting that God would honor her perseverance in kindness.

8. Romans 12:10

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
Example: Josh always made it a point to put others’ needs before his own, living out the command to be devoted and kind in relationships.

9. Proverbs 31:26

“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”
Example: Melissa often used her words to build up and encourage others, teaching kindness through her gentle and wise counsel.

10. Matthew 5:7

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
Example: Ben showed mercy by helping someone who had wronged him, knowing that God blesses those who show kindness through forgiveness.

11. Philippians 2:3-4

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
Example: Susan always made sure to consider others’ needs first, demonstrating a humble heart filled with kindness.

12. Titus 3:4-5

“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.”
Example: Paul recognized that his salvation came through God’s kindness, which inspired him to show mercy and kindness to others.

13. 1 Peter 3:8

“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”
Example: In a group project, Kate always made sure to consider others’ feelings, showing kindness and humility in her interactions.

14. Hebrews 13:2

“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”
Example: When Sophie welcomed a new neighbor with a meal, she followed this teaching, demonstrating the biblical value of hospitality and kindness to strangers.

15. Micah 6:8

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Example: After reflecting on this verse, Dave made it his mission to act justly and kindly in all his business dealings, knowing it pleased God.

16. Romans 12:20

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.”
Example: Instead of harboring resentment, Liam chose to offer a helping hand to a rival, embodying God’s command to show kindness even to enemies.

17. Proverbs 12:25

“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.”
Example: Jane made it a point to always offer kind words to her friends, uplifting their spirits whenever they were feeling low.

18. Matthew 7:12

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
Example: Ethan treated everyone with respect and kindness, living by the Golden Rule in his daily interactions.

19. Zechariah 7:9

“This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.’”
Example: Liz often mediated disputes between friends, ensuring that both justice and kindness were at the forefront of her actions.

20. Psalm 145:8

“The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.”
Example: Anna worked on being more patient and kind in her interactions, modeling the way God is slow to anger and rich in compassion.

Here are the remaining 25 scriptures about kindness, each with explanations and examples.

21. 2 Corinthians 6:6

“In purity, understanding, patience, and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love.”
Example: During a tough season at work, Olivia exemplified patience and kindness to her coworkers, showing that she relied on the Holy Spirit for strength.

22. Proverbs 16:24

“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
Example: When Mike offered encouraging words to his friend going through a difficult time, it provided healing and comfort, showcasing the power of kind words.

23. James 1:19

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
Example: Sarah practiced listening more than speaking during disagreements, allowing kindness to flow in her conversations with family.

24. 1 John 3:18

“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
Example: Instead of just saying she cared, Lisa showed her love through acts of service, such as volunteering at a local shelter.

25. Luke 10:37

“The expert in the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’ Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise.'”
Example: After learning about the Good Samaritan, Rob decided to help a stranger in need, demonstrating mercy through his actions.

26. Matthew 25:40

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'”
Example: During a community service event, Emma remembered this verse, treating everyone with respect, knowing that kindness to others was kindness to God.

Bible Verses About Lighthouse

27. Proverbs 3:3-4

“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.”
Example: Jake made it a daily practice to express love and kindness, making it a part of his character that others could see.

28. Isaiah 54:10

“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.”
Example: When facing challenges, Nicole found comfort in God’s unwavering kindness, allowing it to inspire her to show compassion to others.

29. Psalm 103:8

“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.”
Example: Mark reflected on this verse as he dealt with a difficult friend, choosing to respond with compassion instead of frustration.

30. Ephesians 2:7

“In order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.”
Example: Jenna often reminded herself of God’s kindness towards her, which encouraged her to be kind to others in return.

31. Romans 2:4

“Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?”
Example: After reflecting on this verse, Paul became more aware of how God’s kindness prompted him to show the same grace to others.

32. Luke 6:36

“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
Example: Lisa sought to embody mercy in her interactions, especially when others made mistakes, echoing God’s own kindness.

33. 1 Thessalonians 5:15

“Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.”
Example: Instead of retaliating against a rude comment, Mia chose to respond with kindness, demonstrating the teachings of this verse.

34. Romans 15:1

“We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.”
Example: When Jack noticed a friend struggling, he offered to help carry the burden, reflecting kindness through support and understanding.

35. Matthew 22:39

“And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Example: Lucy made an effort to treat her neighbors with respect and kindness, seeing them as she would like to be treated.

36. 2 Timothy 2:24

“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.”
Example: While teaching Sunday school, Tom remained kind and patient, even when faced with difficult questions, embodying the essence of this verse.

37. Proverbs 15:1

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Example: When faced with criticism, Emma responded gently, de-escalating the situation and demonstrating the power of a kind response.

38. Galatians 5:22-23

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
Example: During a difficult meeting, Nathan displayed kindness, reflecting the fruit of the Spirit in his interactions with coworkers.

39. Proverbs 21:21

“Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor.”
Example: By prioritizing kindness in her career, Amanda found that it opened doors and fostered respect among her peers.

40. Philippians 4:5

“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”
Example: Michael’s calm demeanor during stressful situations served as a reminder to those around him of God’s presence and the importance of gentleness.

41. Isaiah 58:10

“And if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noon day.”
Example: Volunteering at a food bank, Clara realized how satisfying others’ needs brought light into her life, echoing this verse’s promise.

42. Acts 20:35

“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Example: Each holiday season, Mark volunteered to help those in need, finding great joy in giving rather than receiving.

43. Matthew 6:14

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”
Example: When faced with betrayal, Rachel chose to forgive, understanding that her kindness in forgiving others reflects God’s forgiveness toward her.

44. Psalm 37:26

“They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be a blessing.”
Example: By showing generosity to her neighbors, Ruth not only blessed them but also instilled the same kindness in her children.

45. 1 Timothy 6:18

“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”
Example: During a community outreach, James encouraged others to contribute generously, believing in the power of sharing kindness.

Answers To Key Questions About Being Kind

1. What does the Bible say about kindness?

The Bible emphasizes kindness as an essential virtue, encouraging believers to show compassion and love in their actions.

2. Why is kindness important in the Christian faith?

Kindness reflects God’s love and character, helping to build stronger relationships and demonstrate the Gospel to others.

3. How can I show kindness to others?

You can show kindness through acts of service, compassionate listening, encouraging words, and forgiveness.

4. Are there examples of kindness in the Bible?

Yes, many stories in the Bible highlight kindness, such as the Good Samaritan and the kindness of Ruth to Naomi.

5. How does kindness impact our lives?

Acts of kindness can lead to deeper relationships, personal fulfillment, and a more positive outlook on life.

6. Can kindness be a part of my daily routine?

Absolutely! Small acts of kindness, like helping a neighbor or complimenting a coworker, can be integrated into everyday life.

Conclusion

Embracing kindness is more than just a nice gesture; it is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith. The Bible provides numerous verses that encourage us to be kind in our thoughts, words, and actions.

By reflecting on these scriptures, we learn that kindness not only benefits others but also enriches our lives. Each act of kindness is a way to mirror God’s love in the world, creating a ripple effect of positivity and grace. Let us commit to being vessels of kindness, sharing God’s love and light wherever we go.