What does the Bible say about kindness?
Kindness in scripture is treated as a fruit, a duty, and a witness. It is listed as a fruit of the Spirit, commanded toward strangers and enemies, and pointed to as one of the qualities by which God's own character is known. The biblical word often translated 'kindness' overlaps with 'lovingkindness' — covenantal warmth, not mere niceness.
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other.
Bible verses about kindness
"and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, even as God also in Christ forgave you."
Read in context →
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control; against such there is no law."
Read in context →
"Put on therefore, as God’s elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering;"
Read in context →
"The merciful man doeth good to his own soul; But he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh."
Read in context →
"But love your enemies, and do them good, and lend, never despairing; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be sons of the Most High: for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil."
Read in context →
"He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth Jehovah require of thee, but to do justly, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with thy God?"
Read in context →
Keep reading