What Does the Bible Say About Kindness? Scripture for Encouragement
Bible Verses & Devotional
What Does the Bible Say About Kindness? Scripture for Encouragement
If you’ve ever wondered what does the bible say about kindness, you’re in good company. The Bible repeatedly describes kindness as God’s own way of dealing with people—and as the kind of life His followers are meant to display. Kindness shows up in how we speak, how we respond under pressure, and how we treat those who can’t “repay” us. It’s especially powerful when you feel overlooked, criticized, or tired, because God doesn’t just command kindness; He also offers comfort, mercy, and a model to follow. In the verses below, you’ll see kindness linked to compassion, forgiveness, gentleness, and God’s tender care. As you read, let these Scriptures encourage you to grow in kindness—not as a performance, but as a fruit of faith shaped by Christ.
Bible Verses
Ephesians 4:32 (King James Version)
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
This verse directly connects kindness with forgiveness, urging believers to be compassionate and gracious toward one another.
Colossians 3:12-13 (King James Version)
“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”
It describes believers as “chosen” and calls them to clothe themselves with kindness, bearing with others and forgiving as the Lord forgave.
Kindness Starts With God’s Character
When Scripture answers the question of the biblical meaning of kindness, it begins with God Himself. In Titus 3:4-5, we’re reminded that God’s kindness is not a random mood or a mere social virtue—it is part of His loving purpose that reaches into our helplessness. Before we ever choose kindness, God has already shown it. That means Christian kindness is not only “be nice”; it is a response to God’s mercy.
This matters because kindness becomes more sustainable when it is rooted in God’s heart. If kindness is treated like a personality trait, it can fade when life is hard. But if kindness is treated as a spiritual fruit—shaped by God’s love—then it can remain even when circumstances don’t. God’s kindness also has a goal: salvation, restoration, and transformation. That same goal should shape how we relate to others.
From there, the Bible teaches that kindness becomes visible in practical ways. Ephesians 4:32 tells believers to be kind and compassionate, forgiving others just as God in Christ forgave them. Notice the link: kindness and forgiveness are joined together. A kind person doesn’t deny wrongdoing; they choose mercy.
Colossians 3:12-13 expands this picture by describing believers as “chosen” and “holy,” called to clothe themselves with kindness. That clothing language is important: kindness is something we put on intentionally—especially when patience wears thin. Forgiving “as the Lord has forgiven you” keeps kindness from becoming selective. We don’t forgive only those who agree with us; we forgive because we have been forgiven.
In short, kindness in the Bible is both divine and directional: God initiates it, and believers express it. The more we understand God’s kindness, the less we will rely on our own strength—and the more we will trust the Holy Spirit to produce a gentle, compassionate life in us.
How Christians Practice Kindness in Real Life
The scriptures about showing kindness are not limited to polite behavior. They address how we respond when we’re hurt, misunderstood, or treated unfairly. Romans 12:17-21 is a powerful example. It tells believers not to repay evil for evil, but to pursue what is honorable, and to overcome evil with good. Even when someone acts hostilely, the Christian response is not retaliation but blessing.
This can be difficult because the human instinct is to defend ourselves, correct loudly, or “get even.” Yet the Bible consistently moves us toward kindness that costs something. Blessing someone who has harmed you is not natural. But it reflects God’s character and trusts that truth and justice belong to Him.
Proverbs 11:17 adds another angle: “a man who is kind benefits himself.” That doesn’t mean kindness is transactional. Instead, it means kindness aligns you with God’s wisdom. Cruelty often leads to relational damage, inner hardening, and conflict that rebounds on the person practicing it. Kindness, on the other hand, opens doors for peace, strengthens community, and protects your own heart from becoming bitter.
1 Peter 3:8 describes kindness alongside tenderheartedness and humility. This shows that kindness isn’t only what we do—it’s also who we are becoming. It’s the gentle tone, the listening spirit, and the compassion that refuses to dehumanize others.
A helpful way to bring all these verses together is to view kindness as a posture with actions. The posture is compassionate, humble, and forgiving. The actions are blessing instead of retaliation, good instead of evil, and grace instead of harshness. When kindness is practiced this way, it becomes a witness. People may not always understand your faith, but they recognize God’s love when they see it lived out.
Ultimately, kindness is not passive. It can be bold, but it remains gentle. It doesn’t ignore truth; it conveys truth with love. It doesn’t excuse sin; it pursues mercy. And it doesn’t wait for the other person to change before becoming gracious.
Daily Ways to Grow in Kindness (Without Losing Truth)
If you want to grow in how Christians practice kindness, start with small, repeatable choices—especially in the moments you’re tempted to respond harshly. First, pray for a “kind heart” before you speak. Ask God to soften you, not just to manage your words. Ephesians 4:32 links kindness to forgiveness; prayer helps you remember that you are also receiving mercy.
Second, practice a quick “forgiveness reset.” When you feel offended, pause and name what you believe the Bible teaches: kindness doesn’t require pretending the hurt didn’t happen, but it does call you to release the right to revenge. Colossians 3:12-13 invites you to forgive as the Lord forgave you—meaning you can let go of the debt you would otherwise keep tallying.
Third, choose one concrete act of good each day. Romans 12:17-21 encourages pursuing what is honorable and overcoming evil with good. That “good” can be a simple message, a helpful task, a respectful boundary, or a patient conversation. The goal is not to win an argument; it’s to bless and build up.
Fourth, speak in a tender tone. 1 Peter 3:8 places kindness near tenderheartedness and unity. In practical terms, that may look like asking questions instead of making accusations, or addressing a problem without attacking a person.
Finally, remember that kindness is empowered by God’s kindness. Titus 3:4-5 reminds you that God acts first toward you. So when you feel weak, go back to grace. As you receive kindness from the Lord, you’ll be more able to give it away.
Try these today: pray one sentence, forgive one issue, do one good action, and speak one kind word.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Bible say about kindness when someone has hurt you?
The Bible calls you not to repay evil with evil. Romans 12:17-21 teaches believers to pursue what is honorable and overcome evil with good. Ephesians 4:32 links kindness with forgiveness, reminding you that letting go of revenge reflects God’s mercy toward you.
Where can I find scriptures about showing kindness in daily relationships?
Colossians 3:12-13 and 1 Peter 3:8 are especially practical. Colossians connects kindness with patience and forgiveness, while 1 Peter highlights kindness alongside tenderheartedness and humility. Together, they show kindness as both attitude and action.
How do I understand the biblical meaning of kindness beyond being polite?
The biblical meaning of kindness goes deeper than manners. Proverbs 11:17 frames kindness as wisdom that blesses relationships, while Ephesians 4:32 pairs kindness with compassion and forgiveness. Kindness in Scripture is mercy expressed through how you treat people.
Can I practice God’s call to kindness and still stand for truth?
Yes. The Bible encourages kindness that does not abandon integrity. Romans 12:17-21 urges pursuing what is honorable, not compromising with evil. You can address issues honestly while maintaining a gentle, forgiving spirit—so truth is carried in love.
A Short Prayer
Lord, thank You for Your kindness that led me to grace and continues to shape my heart. Teach me to be kind when I feel offended, patient when I’m tempted to retaliate, and forgiving when I want to hold a record of wrongs. Help me speak with tenderhearted love and do good even when it would be easier to return harm. Make my life a reflection of Christ’s mercy. Amen.