What does the Bible Say about Kindness?

Webster dictionary defines kindness as the quality or state of being kind. Showing kindness to those you know and love, and to strangers, more than ever exhibits the fact that the holy spirit dwells within you. God calls us to be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another as God in Christ forgave us.

What does the Bible say about being kind to our enemies?

It’s easy to be kind to our friends, but the Bible also calls us to be kind to our enemies! This is a different challenge altogether. But, just because it is challenging doesn’t mean we get a pass.

What does the Bible say about expecting something in return?

In Luke, it says, ‘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 evil“. In one way, He’s saying he can recognize us by how we treat our enemies, and if we do acts of kindness out of the goodness of our hearts we will be rewarded. We shouldn’t do it expecting something in return. It says we should do good expecting nothing!

What does Proverbs say about a man that is kind?

Doing something for someone expecting something in return is not an act of kindness and will not be rewarded. You are to do things out of the goodness and kindness of your heart never expecting the favor to be returned, but instead being satisfied knowing what you have done is pleasing to God because you showed kindness. Proverbs says a man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself. Over and over again we see that God rewards the kind.

What does the Bible say about repaying evil for evil?

 The Word goes on in 1 Peter saying, “Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing“. Vengeance belongs to God. We are to show kindness regardless of whether we are shown kindness. 

What does Galatians say about the fruits of the Spirit?

This is not easy and requires the strength of the Holy Spirit. We of our own flesh cannot do this on our own. Our flesh seeks its own vengeance and to repay evil with evil, to get even. But if we have the fruits of the spirit that includes kindness. Galatians says the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…; and goes on. There are many things we do not have on our own but have through the Holy Spirit. 

Being Kind Could Unharden Hearts

Delight yourself in the fruits of the spirit, showing kindness to everyone that crosses your path. I pray that you show kindness to those who treat you good, and those who do not. And, that those around you show you kindness. You never know how showing kindness to someone could change them and unharden their heart. Consider the fact some people have never been shown kindness a day in their lives. 

Imagine what showing them the smallest kindness could do. 

Reflection:

In what areas of your life could you show more kindness in? When driving, going to work, church, or with family? Do you feel you show kindness to others, including your enemies?

Prayer:

Dear Lord, 

We thank you for bringing us all here today to read more into your word. It seems to get harder and harder to show kindness in a world filled with so much hate. I know that I cannot of my own strength show kindness to my enemies. I need the strength of the Holy Spirit within me to be strong when I am weak, to be kind when I want to be mean, and to be patient when I want instant results. Please reveal to me the areas of my life that I am not kind in and give me the strength and courage to change this. 

Thank you for your never-ending mercies, grace, and kindness that you have bestowed upon us. May I show the kindness to others that you have shown to me. I do not deserve your kindness, as others may not deserve mine. May I show them kindness regardless if it is deserved, as you show me kindness when I do not deserve it. 

In your holy name we pray,

Amen!

Here are 18 powerful verses in the Bible showing the importance of kindness.

Bible Verses about Kindness

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Ephesians 4:32

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

A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself.

Proverbs 11:17

Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.

Proverbs 19:17

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

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Galatians 6:10

Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing

1 Peter 3:9

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.

1 Peter 4:8

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Acts 20:35

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

And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

Colossians 3:14

But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?

1 John 3:17

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

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.

1 Peter 3:8

Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor

Proverbs 21:21

Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.

Matthew 5:42

As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.

2 Thessalonians 2:13

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ

Galatians 6:2