16 Bible Verses About Kindness and What They Mean

Kindness is easy to admire and hard to practise. People look for Bible verses about kindness when they want to teach their children, encourage a friend, prepare a talk, or find the strength to be kind to someone who has not been kind to them.

In short, the Bible presents kindness first as something true of God and only then as something asked of us. God has shown kindness to people who did not deserve it, above all in Jesus Christ. Christians are called to be kind in the same way: to one another, to those in need and even to enemies. Biblical kindness is more than being pleasant. It is active goodness that seeks another person's real good.

Below are sixteen Bible passages about kindness, grouped by theme. Each comes with a short explanation, so you can read it in its setting.

Quick Reference: Bible Verses About Kindness

What the Bible Means by Kindness

Two important biblical words help us understand the meaning of kindness.

In the New Testament, the Greek noun chrēstotēs is used both for God's kindness (Romans 2:4; Ephesians 2:7) and for the kindness the Spirit produces in believers (Galatians 5:22). It describes goodness expressed in action toward others.

In the Old Testament, one important Hebrew word is ḥesed, often translated "steadfast love", "lovingkindness" or "mercy". It frequently describes loyal, faithful love expressed through action, especially within relationships. Although ḥesed is broader than the English word "kindness", it helps us understand the faithful character of God's love. The ESV footnote on Micah 6:8 notes that "kindness" there may also be translated "steadfast love".

Taken together, these words show that biblical kindness is not mainly a mood or a manner. It is faithful goodness that does something.

Bible Verses About God's Kindness

Titus 3:4–5 — The kindness of God our Savior

"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" (Titus 3:4–5, ESV)

Paul says God's kindness "appeared". He is speaking of the coming of Christ. Salvation is described here as an act of kindness and mercy, "not because of works done by us". Every Christian begins as someone who has received kindness, not someone who has earned it.

Romans 2:4 — Kindness that leads to repentance

"Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?" (Romans 2:4, ESV)

God's patience with sinners is not indifference. It has a purpose. His kindness is meant to turn us back to him, not to make us comfortable where we are.

Ephesians 2:7 — Kindness toward us in Christ Jesus

"so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:7, ESV)

Paul looks ahead to the coming ages and says God's people will be a display of his kindness. God's kindness to believers is not a brief episode. It is "in Christ Jesus", and it will be on show for ever.

Bible Verses About Being Kind to One Another

Ephesians 4:32 — Be kind to one another

"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32, ESV)

This is probably the best-known verse about kindness. Notice its shape. The command to be kind is tied to forgiveness, and both rest on what God has already done "in Christ". Christians are kind because they have been treated kindly. For more on the forgiveness this verse describes, see Bible Verses About Forgiveness.

Colossians 3:12 — Put on kindness

"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience" (Colossians 3:12, ESV)

Paul uses the picture of getting dressed. Kindness is something believers deliberately put on, as people who are already "chosen", "holy and beloved". The identity comes first. The clothing follows.

Galatians 5:22–23 — The fruit of the Spirit

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." (Galatians 5:22–23, ESV)

Here kindness is called fruit. It grows from the Holy Spirit's work in a person, not from personality alone. Some people are naturally gentle, and that is a gift. But the kindness Paul describes can grow in anyone who belongs to Christ, including those who do not find it easy.

Colossians tells us to put kindness on. Galatians tells us the Spirit produces it. Both are true. We act, and God works in us.

Micah 6:8 — To love kindness

"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?" (Micah 6:8, ESV)

Micah speaks within a passage where God confronts Israel about its unfaithfulness. The people ask what sacrifices could please him, but God reminds them that he requires justice, steadfast love and humble fellowship with him. Kindness is not merely an occasional good deed; it belongs to a life of covenant faithfulness. Notice that God's people are to "love" kindness, not merely perform it when required.

Bible Verses About Kindness to Those in Need

Proverbs 19:17 — Generous to the poor

"Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed." (Proverbs 19:17, ESV)

This proverb makes a striking claim: kindness to a poor person is treated by God as a loan to himself. It should not be read as a formula for getting rich. It teaches that God notices and honours kindness that the world overlooks.

Proverbs 14:31 — Honouring the Maker

"Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him." (Proverbs 14:31, ESV)

The reason for kindness to the needy is that they are made by God. How we treat a person says something about what we think of the one who made them.

Bible Verses About Kindness to Enemies

Luke 6:35 — Kind to the ungrateful

"But 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 evil." (Luke 6:35, ESV)

This is the hardest teaching on kindness in the Bible, and Jesus grounds it in the character of God, who "is kind to the ungrateful and the evil". Kindness to enemies is not approval of what they have done. It is a refusal to let their behaviour decide ours.

Jesus is not teaching that kindness earns a place in God's family. He is calling his followers to reflect the character of their heavenly Father, who shows kindness even to the ungrateful and evil.

Romans 12:20–21 — Overcome evil with good

"To the contrary, 'if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:20–21, ESV)

Paul quotes Proverbs 25:21–22. Interpreters have understood the "burning coals" in different ways, and the picture is debated. What is clear is Paul's conclusion: Christians answer evil with practical good, not revenge.

Bible Verses About Kind Words

Kindness is often shown first in how we speak. Proverbs returns to this again and again.

Proverbs 16:24 — Gracious words

"Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body." (Proverbs 16:24, ESV)

Proverbs 12:25 — A good word

"Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad." (Proverbs 12:25, ESV)

Proverbs 31:26 — The teaching of kindness

"She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue." (Proverbs 31:26, ESV)

Much everyday kindness is spoken. Proverbs observes that a single good word can lift a weight from an anxious heart. Most of us will have more opportunities this week to be kind with words than in any other way.

Examples of Kindness in the Bible

2 Samuel 9:7 — David and Mephibosheth

"And David said to him, 'Do not fear, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan, and I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat at my table always.'" (2 Samuel 9:7, ESV)

Mephibosheth was the grandson of Saul, who had been David's enemy, and he was lame in both feet. He had reason to be afraid. David showed him kindness because of a promise made to his father Jonathan. Kindness here means keeping faith when no one would have blamed David for forgetting.

Luke 10:33–34 — The good Samaritan

"But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him." (Luke 10:33–34, ESV)

Jesus told this story in answer to the question, "And who is my neighbor?" (Luke 10:29, ESV). The Samaritan's kindness cost him time, money and convenience, and it crossed a deep division between peoples. The parable also challenges the attempt to limit who counts as our neighbour. Jesus shifts the focus from deciding who deserves our love to becoming a neighbour who shows mercy. He ended with a command: "You go, and do likewise" (Luke 10:37, ESV).

Common Misunderstandings About Kindness

"Kindness means never saying anything hard"

Scripture joins kindness with truth. Paul speaks of "speaking the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15, ESV), and Proverbs says, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend" (Proverbs 27:6, ESV). Sometimes the kind thing is an honest word, said gently.

"Being kind means letting people treat me however they like"

Kindness seeks another person's real good. Allowing someone to go on harming you or others is not good for them. A kind person can still say no and can still seek help and protection.

"God's kindness means he does not mind my sin"

Romans 2:4 says the opposite. His kindness "is meant to lead you to repentance".

"If I am kind enough, God will accept me"

Titus 3:5 says God saved us "not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy". Kindness is the fruit of salvation, not the price of it.

How to Grow in Kindness

Remember the kindness you have received. Read Titus 3:3–7. Kindness to others grows best out of gratitude.

Ask the Spirit for it. Kindness is fruit of the Spirit. Pray for it by name.

Start with words. Choose one person each day and say something true and encouraging to them.

Do one unnoticed thing. Help someone this week in a way they may never trace back to you.

Choose one hard person. Pray for someone who has been unkind to you, and look for one practical good you can do them.

A prayer for kindness

These are suggested words, not a formula. Use your own words wherever they come more naturally.

God our Saviour, thank you for the kindness you showed me in Jesus when I had done nothing to deserve it. Forgive me for the times I have been harsh, impatient or cold. By your Spirit, grow kindness in me. Give me gentle words today, open my eyes to someone in need, and help me to do good even to those who are hard to love. Amen.

Questions People Ask About Kindness in the Bible

What is the best-known Bible verse about kindness?

Ephesians 4:32 is the one most people learn first: "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."

What does the Bible say about being kind to others?

It commands it (Ephesians 4:32), describes it as fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23), extends it to the poor (Proverbs 19:17) and to enemies (Luke 6:35), and grounds all of it in God's kindness to us.

Is kindness the same as being nice?

Not quite. Niceness is mostly about being pleasant. Biblical kindness is about doing a person real good, which is sometimes costly and sometimes includes a hard truth spoken with love.

What is a good short Bible verse about kindness for children?

Ephesians 4:32 is short enough for a child to memorise. The first line of 1 Corinthians 13:4, "Love is patient and kind", is shorter still.

Taking the Next Step

The Bible's teaching on kindness begins with God. He has been kind to the undeserving, and he asks his people to carry that kindness into every relationship.

This week, memorise Ephesians 4:32. Then choose one person, perhaps one who is hard to be kind to, and do them one practical good.

If you would like a verse to send to someone who is struggling, see 15 Encouraging Bible Verses for Strength, Hope and Comfort. And if you would like others to pray with you, you are welcome in our free Faithful Path Community.