1. Ephesians 4:32
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” — Ephesians 4:32 (KJV) Kindness begins with the way we treat the people around us. It includes compassion, forgiveness, patience, and a willingness to respond to others with grace.2. Colossians 3:12
“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering.” — Colossians 3:12 (KJV) Kindness is something we intentionally put into practice. It is connected with mercy, humility, gentleness, and patience. These qualities can change the way we respond to difficult people and difficult situations.3. Proverbs 19:17
“He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.” — Proverbs 19:17 (KJV) God cares about how we treat people who are struggling. Helping someone in need is not insignificant in God's eyes. A generous act can become an expression of love toward God Himself.4. Luke 6:35
“But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again.” — Luke 6:35 (KJV) Jesus calls His followers to show kindness even when there is no guarantee of receiving anything in return. True kindness is not always based on what we get back.5. Proverbs 11:17
“The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.” — Proverbs 11:17 (KJV) Mercy benefits both the person receiving it and the person giving it. A life shaped by compassion is different from one shaped by cruelty.6. Proverbs 31:26
“She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.” — Proverbs 31:26 (KJV) Kindness is not only about actions. It is also about words. A wise person understands that what they say can either encourage someone or deeply hurt them.7. Micah 6:8
“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” — Micah 6:8 (KJV) God calls His people to love mercy. Kindness is not merely an occasional good deed. It is part of a life shaped by justice, mercy, humility, and a relationship with God.8. Galatians 5:22–23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,” “Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” — Galatians 5:22–23 (KJV) Kindness is part of the character produced by God's Spirit. It should become increasingly visible in the way believers live and treat others.9. 1 Corinthians 13:4
“Charity suffereth long, and is kind.” — 1 Corinthians 13:4 (KJV) Love and kindness are closely connected. Biblical love isn't merely an emotion. It expresses itself through patient and kind behavior.10. Proverbs 15:1
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” — Proverbs 15:1 (KJV) Sometimes kindness means choosing a gentle response when you could easily respond harshly. One calm sentence can prevent an argument from becoming much worse.11. Proverbs 12:25
“Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.” — Proverbs 12:25 (KJV) You may not know what someone is carrying internally. A simple encouraging word can make a difficult day lighter. Never underestimate the impact of speaking hope to someone who is struggling.12. Hebrews 13:2
“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” — Hebrews 13:2 (KJV) Kindness should extend beyond our closest relationships. Scripture encourages hospitality toward people we may not know. A stranger should not automatically be treated as an inconvenience.13. Matthew 25:40
“Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” — Matthew 25:40 (KJV) Jesus connects our treatment of vulnerable people with our relationship to Him. Serving others can become an expression of our faith.14. Luke 10:33–34
“But a certain Samaritan... had compassion on him,” “And went to him, and bound up his wounds...” — Luke 10:33–34 (KJV) The Good Samaritan is one of Jesus' clearest illustrations of practical compassion. The Samaritan didn't merely feel sorry for the injured man. He stopped. He helped. He gave his time and resources. Kindness often requires action.15. Romans 12:10
“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.” — Romans 12:10 (KJV) Kindness includes actively looking for ways to honor and encourage others. Instead of constantly asking, “What can they do for me?” Ask, “How can I bless them?”16. Romans 12:20
“Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink.” — Romans 12:20 (KJV) Kindness can be especially powerful when shown toward someone who has treated you badly. It doesn't mean ignoring wrongdoing. It means refusing to allow someone else's actions to determine the kind of person you become.17. Titus 3:4–5
“But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,” “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us...” — Titus 3:4–5 (KJV) Christian kindness begins with remembering God's kindness toward us. We don't show mercy because we are perfect. We show mercy because we have received mercy.18. Psalm 145:9
“The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.” — Psalm 145:9 (KJV) God's goodness provides the foundation for Christian kindness. When we recognize God's mercy toward us, we can become more willing to extend mercy to others.19. Zechariah 7:9
“Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother.” — Zechariah 7:9 (KJV) Kindness is connected with compassion and justice. Being kind doesn't mean ignoring what is right. It means treating people fairly while showing mercy and compassion.20. Proverbs 21:21
“He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.” — Proverbs 21:21 (KJV) Kindness is not merely something we occasionally do. It can become something we intentionally pursue. Look for opportunities to show mercy, encourage someone, help someone, or make another person's day a little easier.What the Bible Teaches About Kindness
The Bible encourages us to: Be kind to one another.Show compassion.
Forgive others.
Help people in need.
Speak encouraging words.
Welcome strangers.
Practice generosity.
Show mercy.
Be patient with difficult people.
Love our neighbors.
Do good without expecting something in return.
Help vulnerable people.
Treat enemies with kindness.
Encourage people who are discouraged.
Use our words to heal rather than hurt.
Reflect God's goodness through our actions.
Kindness When Someone Hurts You
One of the hardest forms of kindness is responding with grace when someone has hurt you. The Bible does not tell you that wrongdoing doesn't matter. Instead, Scripture teaches you not to repay evil with evil. “Recompense to no man evil for evil.” — Romans 12:17 (KJV) You can forgive without pretending nothing happened. You can be kind while maintaining healthy boundaries. You can refuse revenge while still seeking justice when necessary. Kindness does not mean allowing people to continually harm you. It means refusing to let hatred control your heart.
Small Acts of Kindness Matter
You don't need wealth or influence to be kind. You can: Send an encouraging message.Listen to someone who needs to talk.
Help someone carrying a burden.
Visit someone who is lonely.
Give food to someone who is hungry.
Forgive an offense.
Thank someone for their work.
Encourage someone who feels like giving up.
Pray for someone.
Speak gently when you are angry.
Welcome someone who feels left out.
Sometimes the smallest act of kindness can become the answer to someone's prayer.