You can probably remember a time when you had oneStressiger Tagat work and your colleague bought you a cup of coffee because he noticed you were upset. Or maybe it was yougo through a breakupand your best friend baked a bunch of your favorite muffins so you didn't have to worry about breakfast this week. Both gestures are small but generous actions that go a long way in making someone feel better. Being kind to others is a virtue, as the Bible reminds its followers through various verses. Maybe you already know some famous people.Bible verses about kindness, but there are other equally important passages that remind you of the power of generosity.
Treating others the way you would like to be treated is the golden rule of being kind and compassionate. This theme appears throughout the Bible, especially in the verses about kindness reminding you to help others.sick and less happy, and choose good over evil, even when it comes to your enemies. God will notice when you practice kindness and will reward you for demonstrating that virtue. He knows it can be hard to choose compassion when you feel someone has hurt you, but these Bible verses will remind you that perhaps one of the most meaningful acts is to show others the same kindness that you have God shows you. carry.
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1
Galatians 5:13
“Because you are called to freedom, brothers. Only do not take your freedom as an occasion for the flesh, but serve one another out of love.”
The good news:God's gift of agency empowers you not only to make good decisions but also to do good and be kind to others. Having free will is a reminder that kindness, no matter how big or small the effort, is a choice.
2
Lukas 6:31
"And as you would like others to do to you, do to them."
The good news:Treating others the way you would like to be treated is one of the easiest ways to show your divine heart.
3
Galatians 6:9
"And so let us not tire of doing good, for we shall reap in season if we do not faint."
The good news:Being kind to others, even if not immediately reciprocated, can bring many blessings in the long run. God always rewards our efforts.
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4
Proverbs 12:25
"Fear in the heart of man weighs it down, but a kind word cheers it up."
The good news:It costs nothing to say kind words to others and to ourselves.
5
1 Samuel 20:14
"But show me inexhaustible kindness like the kindness of the Lord while I live, lest they kill me."
The good news:When we all love one another and show one another the same kindness that God gives us, we can all live better lives.
6
1 Chronicles 19:2
"David thought, 'I will be kind to Hanun son of Nahas, because his father was kind to me.
The good news:Kind deeds will always be remembered and passed on.
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7
Psalm 31:21
"Praise the Lord, for he showed me the wonders of his love when I was in a city under siege."
The good news:Even when things seem messy and we feel unworthy, God finds a way to show love and kindness. Because we are made in his image, we have the ability to do the same for others.
8
Athos 28:2
“The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They made a bonfire and greeted us because it was raining and cold.”
The good news:Showing love and kindness to them, even if they are not like us, will bring us neither pain nor fear.
9
Colossians 3:12
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves in mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."
The good news:It is God's desire that we be kind to one another at all times. We were chosen to do good and be good to our brothers and sisters.
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10
2 Samuel 9:7
"Don't be afraid," David said to him, for I shall certainly be kind to you because of Jonathan your father. I give you back all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul and you will always eat at my table.
The good news:The way you treat others will be remembered for years to come. And while you may not reap the rewards of your good heart right away, your memorable gestures will benefit those who come after you.
11
Proverbs 16:23-24
“From a wise mind comes wise speech; The words of the wise are persuasive. Kind words are like honey: sweet to the soul and healthy to the body.
The good news:Kind words can heal the heart and mind.
12
Proverbs 21:21
"Those who seek justice and good will find life, justice and honor."
The good news:We get what we put into the world. Send love and kindness and receive it back.
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13
Proverbs 11:17
"The good man profits, but the cruel man harms himself."
The good news:Just like when we hold a grudge, if we're not nice to others, we're the only person we hurt. It feels better to be good than bad.
14
1 Corinthians 13:4
"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy nor boast; it is not arrogant."
The good news:This verse is popular at weddings because it reminds those who are getting married that the best version of love to express is one with no strings attached. Kindness and love are somewhat interchangeable in this case.
15
Epheser 4:32
"Be kind to one another, merciful, forgiving one another as God forgave you in Christ."
The good news:We have been forgiven of our own sins, the least we can do is be kind and forgive others. It's literally what Jesus would do.
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sixteen
Proverbs 14:21
"He who despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who has compassion on the poor."
The good news:Hate gets us nowhere. Being kind to those around us, but also to those who need our help most, is the key to living a godly life.
17
Mateo 7:12
"So whatever you want others to do to you, do it to them too, for this is the law and the prophets."
The good news:This is literally "the golden rule" of the Bible. Do to others what you want them to do to you. In other words, if you want to be treated kindly, be kind to others.
18
Jeremiah 9:24
“I am the Lord who constantly works love, justice and righteousness on earth. For these things please me, says the Lord.”
The good news:If we strive to be good, all we have to do is remember that goodness is something that God is happy to give. And how wonderful to have the opportunity to be a part of something that pleases the Lord.
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19
Mateo 5:7
"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy".
The good news:We get what we put into the world. Show mercy, receive mercy. Thats how it works.
20
Lukas 6:35
"But love your enemies, do good and lend without expecting anything in return, and your reward will be great."
The good news:It's selfish to be kind and generous just to get praise from others. The real reward for being kind to others is that we spread a little joy. That has to be enough for us.
Elizabeth asked
update editor
Elizabeth Berry (her) is the Update Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she optimizes lifestyle content across industries. Previously, she was an editorial assistant atwomen's Daywhere she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. He also has experience in reviewing commercial items and a B.A. in English and Italian from Connecticut College.
Ni'Kesia Pannell
Contributing Author
Ni'Kesia Pannell is an entrepreneur, multi-hyphenated freelance writer and self-proclaimed Slurpee connoisseur who reports on news and culture for The Kitchn. She is the former weekend editor of Delish who also writes for a variety of other media on faith, health and wellness, travel, beauty, lifestyle and music.
FAQs
What does the Bible say about kindness and compassion to others? ›
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." — Ephesians 4:32. 1 Peter 3:8 is one of the most well-known Bible verses about compassion: "Be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble." We can practice compassion in everyday life.
What does the Bible say about being kind to everyone? ›So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
What does God say about treating others with kindness? ›Ephesians 4:32
"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." The Good News: We have been forgiven of our own sins, the least we could do is be kind and forgiving to others. It's literally what Jesus would do.
Ephesians 4:32
"Be kind, compassionate, and forgiving to each other, in the same way God forgave you in Christ." The Good News: God models the best behavior for you to replicate. Kindness, compassion, and forgiveness for all. Do as God says and does, and you will be looked on favorably.
Proverbs 19:17
He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD: When we give to the poor (expressing our love and pity towards them), we aren't wasting our money. It is like lending money to the LORD Himself.
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ God forgave you. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
What is a good quote for kindness? ›“Kindness is giving hope to those who think they are all alone in this world.” “Kindness is seeing the best in others when they cannot see it in themselves.” “Kindness is something anyone can give without losing anything themselves.” “Kindness is not what you do, but who you are.”
How did Jesus show kindness to others? ›Healing the sick, feeding the hungry, teaching the people, caring for the widow, and defending children, Jesus lived 33 years of perfect kindness. He is not asking any more of us than what He willingly practiced himself.
Why we must be kind to everyone? ›Acts of kindness can make the world a happier place for everyone. They can boost feelings of confidence, being in control, happiness and optimism. They may also encourage others to repeat the good deeds they've experienced themselves – contributing to a more positive community.
What does Matthew 25 40 say? ›Matthew 25:40, NIV: 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. '
What is the golden rule of kindness? ›
Most people grew up with the old adage: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Best known as the “golden rule”, it simply means you should treat others as you'd like to be treated.
What does Proverbs say about kindness? ›Proverbs 19:17 NIV
17 Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.
“Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
What is Ephesians 4 32? ›One example comes from Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God has forgiven you.” In this sentence, Paul has summarized the biblical message: that we are to be kind, compassionate and forgiving. In other places, the gospel is summarized in other ways.
What does the Bible say about kindness and generosity? ›2 Corinthians 9:6-8
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Like Philippians 4:13, Philippians 4:19 is a popular verse that's often misused. After thanking the Philippians for generously supporting him, the Apostle Paul writes, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
What is Acts 20 35? ›[35] I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
What is the meaning of Matthew 5 42? ›This verse is most often seen as a command to be charitable and it is quite similar to Luke 6:40, but while that verse commands believers to give, this one simply states that they should not refuse requests ("lend, hoping for nothing again").
Is there a Bible verse about kindness? ›Kindness is one of the ways you can tell from a person's life if they are a follower of Christ. As we read in Galatians, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law” (5:22-23, NIV).
What is Proverbs 16 24? ›Proverbs 16:24, NIV: Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:24, ESV: Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
What is a powerful quote about helping others? ›
“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” “There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.” “When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.” “You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.”
How does God show compassion to us in our daily lives? ›Christ not only demonstrates compassion to us by taking on our humanity and even our suffering in his own passion, he commands it from us when he gives us the Golden Rule in the Sermon on the Mount to “do to others whatever you would have them do to you” (Matthew 7:12).
What Bible story teaches kindness? ›The answer, of course, is the Good Samaritan. Jesus told this story as an example of what it means to be kind to others, even those we don't know who need our help. The Samaritan had compassion for the hurting man and maybe it was because he recognized it could have been him who had been robbed.
What is the law of kindness in Proverbs 31 26? ›The Law of Kindness is the Law of Love. Her mouth only speaks things that will bless and benefit others, even if it is a rebuke. She speaks the truth in love. She minds her own business and does not poke her nose into other people's affairs, but when asked, she speaks forth with skillful and godly wisdom.
What are the 5 benefits of kindness? ›Kindness has been shown to increase self-esteem, empathy and compassion, and improve mood. It can decrease blood pressure and cortisol, a stress hormone, which directly impacts stress levels. People who give of themselves in a balanced way also tend to be healthier and live longer.
Why is kindness important to God? ›God knows that a kind word puts away wrath, and a person who shows loving kindness toward others is often known as a person of peace and understanding. Jesus showed us these attributes, and he taught his followers the importance of being kind to one another and to share with each other.
Why is kindness and compassion important? ›Research is showing that people who are kind and compassionate are more satisfied with their lives, have better physical and mental health, and have stronger relationships. Being kind and compassionate can help other people, and make you feel good too.
What is Psalm 34 13? ›Psalm 34:13, NIV: keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. Psalm 34:13, ESV: Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. Psalm 34:13, KJV: Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.
What is the commentary on Matthew 25 34 40? ›Some thoughts on today's scripture
Jesus invites us to visit him in prison, feed him in hunger, clothe him in coldness. Not just care for the people, but see and sense him in them. Allow a time of prayer to open the door to the presence of the Lord in everyone we meet.
After rewarding the righteous sheep who are highly praised of His Father with their kingdom inheritance prepared for them from the foundation of the world, the King will explain why they are being rewarded in this way. They will be rewarded for their treatment of the King when He was in great need.
What does Proverbs 27 15 say? ›
15 A quarrelsome wife is like the dripping of a leaky roof in a rainstorm; 16 restraining her is like restraining the wind or grasping oil with the hand. Together, these two verses complete one wise saying.
What is Ephesians 4 29? ›Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29, CSB: No foul language should come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear.
What is Proverbs 11 25? ›Proverbs 11:25 “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” | By City on a Hill Church International | Facebook.
How does God want us to help others? ›God wants us to help each other in times of struggle and sin. Scripture commands it: “Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). When you ask someone else to help you bear a burden, you are giving them an opportunity to serve God and share Christ's love with you.
What is Philippians 4 13? ›13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
What is Romans 12 19? ›19 Dearly beloved, aavenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
What is Romans 8 1? ›Romans 8:1, ESV: There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1, KJV: There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
What is Romans 12 10? ›Romans 12:10, NASB: Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor, Romans 12:10, NLT: Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Romans 12:10, CSB: Love one another deeply as brothers and sisters. Take the lead in honoring one another.
How does the Bible define kindness? ›Kindness is the way God treats the human race. Jesus said, "Love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish" (Luke 6:35). Kindness is the way God has always related to people.
What is the Bible story about kindness? ›One day a man was walking along the road and was suddenly robbed, beaten and left hurting. One man passed by and ignored him, and then another. Later, a Samaritan man came upon him and stopped to help. The Bible says the Samaritan man had compassion on him.