50 Key Bible Verses About Kindness (With Commentary)
Kindness is a lifestyle that echoes the very love of Christ. In every smile shared, every helping hand extended and every word of encouragement spoken, we have the opportunity to be a living testament of God's love. Let's take a look at these 50 Bible verses that remind and inspire us to express kindness in our daily lives!
1. Ephesians 4:29 - Kindness in Speech
"Don’t let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up..."
Speaking kindly is about using our words to lift others up and avoiding harsh words.
2. Proverbs 11:17 - Generosity in Kindness
"Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.’”
Kindness is an act of generosity towards others but also brings joy and blessings back to us.
3. Luke 6:35 - Kindness to Enemies
"But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back..."
This challenging command reminds us that true kindness extends even to those who aren’t always kind to us.
4. Proverbs 19:17 - The Ripple Effect of Kindness
"Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done."
This verse illustrates the powerful impact of kindness towards the less fortunate, likening it to lending to God Himself.
5. Colossians 3:12 - Kindness as a Lifestyle
"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."
Kindness not only an action but also a way of living that reflects the heart of God.
6. Ephesians 2:7 - Grace, Kindness and Eternity
“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.”
This verse speaks about God's kindness to us in Christ Jesus, showing His grace in the ages to come.
7. Matthew 5:24 - Reconciliation Before Offering
“leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”
This verse encourages reconciliation before offering gifts at the altar.
8. Hebrews 13:16- Kindness in Action
"And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."
Kindness often involves tangible acts of sharing and doing good for others.
9. Isaiah 54:10 - Unfailing Kindness
"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."
God’s own character is the ultimate example of unfailing kindness.
10. Ephesians 4:32 - Kindness and Forgiveness
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
Kindness and forgiveness go hand in hand, reflecting the grace we’ve received in Christ.
11. Galatians 6:10 - Daily Kindness
"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people..."
We are encouraged to seize every opportunity to show kindness.
12. Proverbs 14:21 - The Reward of Kindness
"…blessed is the one who is kind to the needy."
The blessings of kindness extend beyond the physical realm.
13. Proverbs 31:26 - Kindness as Wisdom
"She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue."
A kind person is compassionate but also speaks with wisdom and truth.
14. 1 Corinthians 13:4 - Kindness and Love
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud."
Kindness is a key ingredient of true love.
15. Ephesians 5:29 - Kindness to Ourselves
"After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church."
Kindness also means taking care of ourselves, acknowledging our own value in Christ.
16. Romans 2:4 - Kindness Leads to Repentance
“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?”
This verse highlights God's kindness, forbearance and patience, leading us toward repentance.
17. Proverbs 15:18 - Kindness in Patience
"A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel."
Patience is a form of kindness that can diffuse conflict and promote peace.
18. Psalm 117:2 - The Blessing of Kindness
"For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever."
Recognizing God’s kindness toward us inspires us to extend kindness to others.
19. Titus 3:1-2 - Kindness in Leadership
"Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone."
Leadership and authority are best exercised with kindness and gentleness.
20. Proverbs 16:24 - Kindness in Friendship
"Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."
Kindness in our words can strengthen and heal our relationships.
21. Romans 15:2 - Inclusive Kindness
"Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up."
Kindness seeks to include and uplift those around us.
22. Zechariah 7:9 - Kindness and Compassion
"This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.’"
Kindness is closely linked with mercy and compassion.
23. Psalm 141:5 - Kindness in Rebuke
“Let a righteous man strike me—that is a kindness; let him rebuke me—that is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it, for my prayer will still be against the deeds of evildoers.”
This verse describes the kindness of a righteous person who rebukes, which is like oil on the head.
24. James 2:8 - Kindness in Diversity
"If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right."
Kindness transcends cultural, racial and social differences.
25. Isaiah 54:8 - Kindness in Wrath
“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.”
Here, God expresses everlasting kindness and compassion despite a moment of anger.
26. 1 Peter 3:8 - Everyday Kindness
"Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble."
Kindness is an everyday practice, encompassing sympathy, love, compassion and humility.
27. Proverbs 3:3 - Kindness and Truth
"Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart."
Kindness is coupled with faithfulness and truth.
28. James 1:27 - Active Kindness
"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
True kindness involves active care for those in need.
29. Ephesians 6:4 - Kindness in Family
"Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."
Kindness within the family is crucial in nurturing faith and character.
30. Proverbs 31:25 - Kindness as Strength
"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come."
A kind woman is marked by strength and dignity.
31. Titus 3:4-5 - Divine Kindness
"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…"
God’s ultimate act of kindness is seen in our salvation through Jesus Christ.
32. 1 Peter 2:17 - Kindness and Respect
"Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor."
Kindness involves respect for all people.
33. Romans 12:10 - Kindness in Community
"Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves."
A kind community is marked by devotion and honoring each other.
34. Proverbs 15:30 - The Joy of Kindness
"Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones."
The joy that kindness brings is like refreshing good news.
35. Colossians 3:23 - Kindness in the Workplace
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters..."
Kindness in our work reflects our service to the Lord.
36. 1 Peter 4:8 - Kindness Covers Sins
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
This verse emphasizes loving deeply, as love covers a multitude of sins.
37. Hebrews 13:2 - Kindness to Strangers
"Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it."
Kindness extends to everyone, even those we don’t know. You never know the impact a small act of kindness can have.
38. Galatians 5:22-23 - Consistent Kindness
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."
Kindness is a key component of the fruit of the Spirit, a sign of God’s work in our lives.
39. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 - Kindness in Gratitude
"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
Expressing gratitude is a form of kindness that acknowledges the goodness in our lives and in others.
40. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 - Kindness through Encouragement
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
Encouraging others is a powerful way to spread kindness, lifting up those around us.
41. Proverbs 15:1 - Kindness in Conflict
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."
In times of disagreement, responding with kindness has the power to defuse conflict.
42. James 1:19 - Kindness in Listening
"My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry."
Listening to others with patience and understanding is a key aspect of kindness.
43. Philippians 2:3-4 - Selfless Kindness
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."
True kindness involves putting others first and caring for their needs.
44. 2 Corinthians 6:6 - Sincerity in Kindness
"In purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love."
This verse emphasizes the importance of kindness rooted in sincerity and love, guided by the Holy Spirit.
45. Luke 6:31 - Unconditional Kindness
"Do to others as you would have them do to you."
This golden rule reminds us to extend kindness without conditions or expectations.
46. Micah 6:8 - Kindness in Humility
"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."
Walking humbly with God is a true expression of kindness, recognizing our place and purpose in His plans.
47. Psalm 136:1 - Eternal Kindness
"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever."
God’s kindness is eternal, a constant source of hope and comfort.
48. Acts 20:35 - Kindness in Sharing
"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.’"
Sharing what we have is a practical way to demonstrate kindness, especially to those in need.
49. Romans 12:18 - Kindness and Peace
"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."
Seeking peace is a vital aspect of kindness, promoting harmony and understanding.
50. Psalm 23:6 - Infinite Kindness
"Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
God’s kindness is infinite, accompanying us throughout our lives and beyond.
I hope these 50 Bible verses about kindness encourage you as much as they do me. Each day is a new opportunity to show kindness in our words, actions and attitudes. Kindness is a reflection of God’s own heart. It's in the everyday moments, in our homes, workplaces, communities and even towards those we've never met before.
I encourage you to carry these verses close to your heart. Let them motivate you to spread kindness around you and be an example of God's love.
