15 Inspiring Bible Verses about Kindness
“Why can’t you just be kind?!?” If I had a nickel for every time I said those words to my kids…I’d have a lot of nickels. I want my kids to be kind for a lot of reasons (it definitely makes parenting easier!), but most importantly because kindness reflects the heart of God. More than anything else, I want myself and my family to be known for kindness.
I wish kindness was as simple as wanting it. Kindness is incredibly easy and impossibly hard at the same time. It’s tough to be kind in traffic, when someone cuts in line, when we’re left out, and when we want to prove our point. If we’re honest, we all have a long way to go in growing in kindness. But thankfully kindness is a trait we can learn and get better at!
What is Biblical kindness?
Organizations around the globe tout kindness as an important character quality; there is even a world kindness day (February 17th!). But kindness in the Bible is so much richer and deeper than merely being nice or polite. True kindness is an action. It isn’t passive. It is compassion that moves us into doing something for someone else.
Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines kind as sympathetic or helpful, gentle, forbearing, that which gives pleasure or relief. Kindness is like a cooling breeze on a hot day. It includes being considerate and thinking of others before one’s self.
The word the Old Testament uses most often for kindness is “hesed“. It is promise-keeping loyalty motivated by deep care. It translated as kindness, mercy, goodness, loyal love, faithfulness, and lovingkindness. This word is used almost 250 times in the Bible to describe our Heavenly Father’s actions and character. It’s a beautiful and complex word that is perfect to describe the many facets and layers of how God is kind to us. Learn more about this definition of kindness here.
The word used in the New Testament for kindness is “chrēstotēs“. It is more similar to our modern, English usage of kindness meaning gentleness, moral goodness, benign, and acting with integrity. The word “benign” in the definition of kindness struck me because it’s not a commonly used word outside of medical terminology. We all know that “benign” is the kind of tumor you want to have. Benign means something isn’t causing harm; it’s the opposite of toxic. I love that reminder that kindness does no harm, intentionally or unintentionally.
Another, more rare usage of the word kindness is the Hebrew word “nōʿam“. It is also translated into English as pleasant, gracious, favorable, and beautiful.
What did Jesus say about being kind?
Jesus encapsulated the practice of kindness with these words: “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” -Matthew 7:12 This Bible verses is commonly known as The Golden Rule and it’s a great place to start with defining and demonstrating kindness in our lives. Even small children can understand these simple words and begin to develop empathy and kindness for others!
Bible Verses About the Kindness of God
God’s unfailing love and kindness is an essential part of His nature. God can never not be kind. His great kindness is who He is, not just what He does.
Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations. -Deuteronomy 7:9
In a surge of anger I hid my face from you for a moment, but with everlasting kindness I will have compassion on you,” says the Lord your Redeemer. -Isaiah 54:8
I will tell of the kindness of the Lord, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for us— yes, the many good things he has done for Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses. -Isaiah 63:7
But let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the Lord. -Jeremiah 9:24
The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. -Jeremiah 31:3
I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. To them I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek, and I bent down to feed them. -Hosea 11:4
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? -Romans 2:4
And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. -Ephesians 2:6-7
But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit. -Titus 3:4-5
Bible Verses About Being Kind
God’s Word tells us He wants his children to have compassionate hearts and show His kindness. These verses can help inspire and convict you in your kindness journey.
Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves. -Proverbs 11:17
Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. -Proverbs 16:24
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? -Micah 6:8
Thus says the Lord of hosts, “Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another.” -Zechariah 7:9
But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. -Luke 6:35
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
-Galatians 5:22-23
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. -Galatians 6:2
So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. -Galatians 6:10
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. -Ephesians 4:32
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. -Colossians 3:12
The Importance of Kindness
You may be wondering, “Why does kindness matter?” Well, being a kind person has many benefits–spiritually, socially, emotionally, and even physically. Science backs up the benefits of kindness--those who practice kindness receive a boost of serotonin, the bodies natural antidepressant. Also, just witnessing an act of kindness can increase oxytocin, the love hormone. Volunteering and helping others can even help you live longer! Kindness is teachable, contagious and good for you!
Beyond the physical benefits, kindness is one of the key components of God’s character. It is how He describes Himself AND how He calls His followers to display the love of God to the world. Kind acts may be small acts, but they are not unimportant. God calls us to be kind to our family members–to those who see us at our worst when we are stressed, tired, and irritable. It may be easier to show random acts of kindness to strangers (and it’s great to do that!), but it’s no less important to express kindness to our coworkers, neighbors, and family members in our daily lives. God also requires that we show kindness and love to our enemies–to those who are opposed to our ways of thinking, who are combative, and who just plain annoy us. This how we show the same lovingkindness God showed us when He sent Jesus.
Simple Ways to Practice Biblical Kindness
- Choose empathy over anger. As the quote says, “Be kind. Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.”
- Do a chore that is normally someone else in your family’s responsibility.
- Remain courteous even when you have “the right” to be annoyed, frustrated, or angry.
- Use a gentle tone of voice and be encouraging in your speech.
- Don’t gossip or run people down.
- Have integrity–be who you say you are, do what you say you’re going to do.
- Assume the best of others
- Practice random acts of kindness for your family as well as strangers.
- Be there when someone is having a hard time. Ask if you can pick up coffee, help with chores, or bring a meal over.
- Celebrate when you see someone else being kind!
The power of kindness is disarming, it can convict without a word. When I’ve had a bad day and am grumping around, a kind word from one of my kids or my husband is enough to remind me that I’m choosing a stinking attitude and I can change it. Our words and actions have a powerful impact on others–choosing kindness is a simple way to leave a mark on our children, families, and community.
