Powerful & Inspiring Scriptures on Kindness
Kindness is the combined quality of being thoughtful, affectionate, generous and compassionate. I’m sure that you’d agree that society could do with a bit more of this.
We desperately need to become reacquainted with the Bible quotes about kindness. Let’s normalize being unselfish. Let’s normalize humility, self-control and the concept of showing love!
We must do better! And some God given inspiration about the importance of being kind is the perfect place to start.
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Studies have shown that there is a direct correlation between selfishness and poor mental and physical health. Not to mention the catastrophic effects that it has on interpersonal relationships.
As lawlessness and disregard for humanity reach uncontrollable levels, and depression consumes our people… Why are we so bent on promoting selfishness, shallowness and greed?!
Why are we so caught up in our own little world that others just don’t seem to exist, or matter? We’ve allowed worldly standards to turn us into monsters. We’ve become so competitive that we’ve forgotten how to be helpful and considerate.
We’ve forgotten how to be kind!
Why did we allow this to become the norm?! And why are we allowing this to persist?! Are we going to continue to squeeze God out, when emulating Christ would fix all of our problems? Make it make sense!
As society continues to deteriorate to new lows, moral compasses are challenged and distorted beyond recognition. As godliness becomes obsolete, we need to fight back with love and kindness.
We, the children of the Most High God, need to stand up as examples! In order to do so, we need to be aligned with what God expects from us. Let’s start with some kindness Bible verses to get us going.
This way, we could embody kindness, and demonstrate the value that comes with being kind. Let’s learn so we can show and teach the world!
Special Mention: My Favorite Bible Verse About Kindness
Philippians 2:3-8 (ESV)
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
I absolutely love this scripture on kindness! Even though the word is not directly used, it sums up kindness perfectly!
i. This scripture warns us against acting selfishly or in vanity.
ii. We are asked to be humble.
iii. We are urged to prioritize others, ahead of ourselves.
iv. The scripture also acknowledges that we can look after ourselves, but we must find a balance and consider others.
v. This Bible verse portrays kindness beautifully. We can be kind to others while being kind to ourselves!
vi. Considering the “interests of others”, accounts for everything. We need to be kind to cater for whatever battles someone else may be facing.
Whether it’s personal battles, financial, health, academic, relationships, etc. We need to be mindful of the needs and struggles of other people.
vii. Finally and most importantly: The greatest gift ever given; the gift of eternal life, stemmed from an act of kindness. We owe our salvation to the ultimate expression on kindness ever!
It is because of God’s kindness and Christ’s love for us, that we are saved. We can turn to God whenever we want, and need, because of Jesus’ death and resurrection.
We are redeemed because of this. And we are destined for heaven and guaranteed everlasting life. All because of an act of kindness!
35 Bible Quotes about Kindness & the Importance of Being Kind
These are the most powerful and inspiring scriptures on kindness in the Bible. I trust that they touch your heart:
1. Matthew 5:7-8 (ESV)
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
Be kind to others and God will show you kindness!
2. Matthew 5:42 (ESV)
“Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.”
Be generous to others!
3. Matthew 6:2 (ESV)
“Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.”
Show kindness without bringing attention to it. It should be done from your heart, and not for personal gratification or fame.
4. Matthew 25:34-40 (ESV)
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’
Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’
And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'”
When you show kindness to those in need, it is seen as service to God.
5. Luke 6:27-31 (NLT)
“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.
If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back.
Do to others as you would like them to do to you.”
Treat others the way you’d want to be treated.
6. Luke 6:38 (NLT)
“Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full – pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.”
The extent of the kindness that you show will determine the blessings that you’d receive.
7. 1 John 3:17 (NLT)
“If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion – how can God’s love be in that person?”
We are expected to demonstrate God’s love, by being kind to those in need.
8. Romans 2:4 (NLT)
“Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?”
Appreciate the kindness that God has shown to us by living lives pleasing to Him!
9. Romans 12:10 (NLT)
“Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.”
Be happy with being kind! It is not a chore but needs to be who we are.
10. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NLT)
“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.
It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”
Kindness and love go hand in hand. The concepts are synonymous with each other.
11. Galatians 5:22-26 (ESV)
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”
In order to go to heaven, we must embody the fruits of the Spirit… one of which is kindness!
12. Galatians 6:2-3 (NLT)
“Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.”
Be kind to each other, regardless of who you are.
13. Galatians 6:9-10 (NLT)
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.
Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone – especially to those in the family of faith.”
Never grow tired of doing the right thing and being kind.
14. Ephesians 2:7 (NLT)
“So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of His grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all He has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.”
We are walking displays of God’s kindness.
15. Ephesians 4:31-32 (NLT)
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.
Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
Treat each other with kindness and forgiveness, just as God did for us.
16. Colossians 3:12 (NLT)
“Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
We are representatives of God and must act like it by showcasing godly qualities.
17. Titus 3:4-5 (NLT)
“When God our Savior revealed His kindness and love, He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.”
God saved us because of His kindness. We were not worthy, but God is merciful.
18. Hebrews 13:2 (NLT)
“Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!”
Always be kind to each other. You never know who may be on the receiving end.
19. Hebrews 13:16 (NLT)
“And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.”
Being kind is pleasing to God.
20. 1 Peter 3:8-9 (NLT)
“Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.
Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and He will grant you His blessing.”
Even when others are unkind, rise above it and show love.
21. Leviticus 19:34 (ESV)
“You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God”
Whether it’s to a friend or a stranger, always show love and kindness.
22. Job 6:14 (ESV)
“He who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.”
Not being kind is like disregarding God.
23. Isaiah 54:10 (EASY)
“‘The mountains may shake to pieces, and the hills may disappear. But I will never take my love away from you. My covenant that brings peace between us will never finish.’ That is what the Lord who is very kind to you says.”
We are blessed with the favor of God, because of His kindness.
24. Micah 6:8 (ESV)
“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?”
God wants us to be kind and humble!
25. Zechariah 7:9 (NLT)
“This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Judge fairly, and show mercy and kindness to one another.”
God has specifically instructed us to be kind to each other.
26. Psalm 117:2 (ESV)
“For great is His steadfast love towards us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord.”
God’s love and kindness towards us is unwavering.
27. Psalm 145:8-9 (ESV)
“The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and His mercy is over all that He has made.”
God is kind and merciful.
28. Proverbs 11:17 (ESV)
“A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself.”
Being kind is beneficial and being unkind has detrimental effects.
29. Proverbs 17:5 (NLT)
“Those who mock the poor insult their Maker; those who rejoice at the misfortune of others will be punished.”
Unkindness is insulting to God and warrants punishment.
30. Proverbs 19:17 (NLT)
“If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord and he will repay you!”
Kindness is service to God and is deserving of a blessing.
31. Proverbs 21:3-4 (NLT)
“The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices. Haughty eyes, a proud heart, and evil actions are all sin.”
Being good and kind trumps any physical gift that we can present to God, or donate to His kingdom.
32. Proverbs 21:13 (NLT)
“Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need.”
If we choose to be unkind, we will receive similar treatment in times of desperation.
33. Proverbs 21:21 (NLT)
“Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor.”
We will be rewarded in heaven for being kind, good and compassionate.
34. Proverbs 29:7 (NLT)
“The godly care about the rights of the poor; the wicked don’t care at all.”
As children of God, we must be caring.
35. Proverbs 31:26 (ESV)
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” (The woman who fears the Lord)
Kindness is specifically stated as a character trait of a Godly woman.
Key Takeaways for Bible Quotes About Kindness
We must be kind! This is a basic characteristic that we must exhibit. As servants of God and followers of Jesus Christ, there is no alternative.
Kindness is a Christ-like attribute that needs to be reflected in the lives we live.
It’s very ironic that so many of us battle with this, considering that the only reason why we are alive today is because of God’s kindness. Everything that we enjoy is because of His grace, love and mercy.
Additionally, we were cursed to die because of our sins. Thanks to God’s salvation plan and Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice, we can now enjoy eternal life.
We are alive thanks to the greatest act of kindness ever! That in itself should be humbling and a reminder to let kindness be a priority of ours.
Thank you Lord for your kindness towards us! And for blessing us with the opportunity to be kind!
Frequently Asked Questions for Bible Verse About Kindness
FAQ: How to Be Kind to Yourself?
Being kind to yourself comes from striking the balance between self love and priortizing your own ambitions, while genuinely wanting what’s best for others as well.
In order to accomplish this, we must take a Christ-like approach to life. Place God first, humble yourself, be kind to others, and in return you will be blessed!
FAQ: What Does God Say about Kindness?
God wants us to be kind to one another – Hebrews 13:2 – “And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.”
Kindness is seen as a valuable and honorable quality – Proverbs 11:17 – “A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself.”
We are also reminded that it was God’s kindness that saved us from eternal damnation – Titus 3:4 – “When God our Savior revealed His kindness and love, He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy.”
FAQ: What Bible Verse Says “be kind and compassionate”?
Ephesians 4:32 states, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.” (CSB Translation)
In this scripture, we are urged to treat others similarly to the way God treats us; with kindness and compassion.
FAQ: What is a really nice Bible Quote?
A beautiful Bible quote that sums up the love that God has for us is Romans 8:38 – “Nothing can ever separate us from God’s love.” One of the most powerful and inspiring Bible quotes is Philippians 4:13 – “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”
FAQ: What is the Loving Kindness of God Quote?
Titus 3:4-5 states, “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.” (ESV)
Related Posts to Scripture on Kindness
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39 Things to be Grateful for (According to the Word of God)
What Does the Bible Say about Procrastination?
Final Thoughts on Kindness Bible Verses
We must be kind to one another! As simple as that! God wants us to be kind, just as He was kind to us. Similarly… just as we’d expect others to be kind to us, we must practice kindness as well.
Let’s go out and sew seeds of kindness and inspire others to reciprocate. Let’s positively change the culture of the world by letting our lights shine.
By portraying Christianity the way it is supposed to be portrayed and by being competent ambassadors for Christ, we’d inspire others to do the same.
Are there any other kindness Bible verses that you’d like to share with us? What are your thoughts on the points that we discussed? Please share with us in the comments section. We’d love to hear from you!
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