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What the Bible says
What Does the Bible Say About Kindness?
The Bible calls us to kindness, tenderhearted, practical love that reflects the God whose kindness draws us to Himself.
Kindness in Scripture is love made practical, the gentleness that notices need and does something about it. It is listed as a fruit of the Spirit and a mark of those who belong to God.
The Bible says it is God's kindness that leads us to repentance, not His harshness. As we receive His kindness, we are freed to extend it to others, even the undeserving, even our enemies.
Key Bible verses
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”
Ephesians 4:32 · King James Version (public domain)
“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering.”
Colossians 3:12 · King James Version (public domain)
“The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.”
Proverbs 11:17 · King James Version (public domain)
“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”
Galatians 6:10 · King James Version (public domain)
How this points to Jesus
Jesus was moved with compassion again and again, touching lepers, feeding crowds, welcoming outcasts. His kindness reached the very people others despised. Through the cross He showed us the ultimate kindness, and by His Spirit He grows in us a tender heart that does good to others as He has done for us.