Today we will talk about short Bible verses about kindness. Kindness is a beautiful quality that we, as followers of Christ, are called to embody in our daily lives. Whether it’s a warm smile, a helping hand, or even a few kind words, these small acts can carry great weight in God’s eyes. The Bible speaks profoundly about kindness, urging us to cultivate it and share it generously with others. By extending kindness, we mirror the love God has shown us, and we remind ourselves of the bonds we share within our communities. Through this exploration, we will dive deeper into what the scripture teaches us about kindness and how it can influence our relationships and strengthen our faith.
Short Bible Verses About Kindness
The Essence of Kindness
In the journey of faith, we recognize that kindness is not just a nice trait; it’s a reflection of God’s character. When we show kindness, we reveal the love and grace that God has given us. This essence of kindness teaches us to actively look for opportunities to be kind to others – it can be as simple as being patient or offering words of encouragement. In a world that sometimes lacks compassion, our acts of kindness can be a light that shines brightly, pointing others toward the heart of God.
Proverbs 11:17
“Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.” – Proverbs 11:17
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
Colossians 3:12
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” – Colossians 3:12
Proverbs 21:21
“Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor.” – Proverbs 21:21
Acts of Kindness
We all have moments when we can choose to perform acts of kindness. These acts are not always grand; instead, they are often simple gestures that show our love for others. Whether it’s helping someone with their groceries, lending a listening ear, or volunteering our time, every act counts. Acts of kindness are moments where we enable ourselves to step outside of our comfort zone, letting God use us as instruments of His love. These small changes in our day-to-day can create ripples of kindness in our communities.
Luke 6:31
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” – Luke 6:31
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
James 1:27
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” – James 1:27
Proverbs 16:24
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” – Proverbs 16:24
Matthew 10:42
“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.” – Matthew 10:42
Kindness in Speech
The power of our words can either build up or tear down. As we engage in conversations, we should remember that kindness should flow through our speech. Choosing gentle, uplifting, and encouraging words creates a warm-hearted connection between us and others. We have the opportunity daily to bless those around us with our words. Let’s strive to speak kindness, treating every interaction as a chance to share God’s love through how we communicate.
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
Ephesians 4:29
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” – Ephesians 4:29
Proverbs 12:25
“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” – Proverbs 12:25
Colossians 4:6
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” – Colossians 4:6
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Kindness to Strangers
We often think of kindness as something we show to friends and family, but the Bible encourages us to extend that kindness to strangers as well. Every person we meet has their own set of struggles and stories, and a simple act of kindness toward a stranger can make a significant impact in their lives. We must keep our hearts open and our hands ready to help those we may not know personally. Our kindness to strangers can become an unexpected blessing.
Hebrews 13:2
“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” – Hebrews 13:2
Luke 10:33-34
“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds.” – Luke 10:33-34
Matthew 25:40
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” – Matthew 25:40
Galatians 6:10
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” – Galatians 6:10
Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.” – Proverbs 19:17
Kindness in Difficult Times
Life is full of challenging moments, and it is during these times that kindness is essential. When we encounter difficulties, our natural instinct might be to retreat or become bitter. However, we are called to extend kindness, even when it seems hard. Offering kindness in difficult times can deepen our relationships and reveal God’s strength within us. When we choose kindness in storms of life, we show His grace to ourselves and others.
Romans 12:21
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Romans 12:21
1 Peter 3:8
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” – 1 Peter 3:8
Proverbs 12:10
“The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.” – Proverbs 12:10
Luke 6:36
“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” – Luke 6:36
2 Corinthians 1:4
“Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble.” – 2 Corinthians 1:4
Kindness in Community
Being a part of a community is a privilege, and it’s essential to weave kindness into the fabric of our shared experiences. When we gather together, we should aim to cultivate an environment where kindness flourishes. Supporting one another, living in harmony, and encouraging each other can make a profound difference. We play a vital role in shaping and uplifting our communities through our intentional acts of kindness.
Romans 15:2
“Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.” – Romans 15:2
Philippians 2:4
“Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” – Philippians 2:4
1 Peter 4:10
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10
Acts 20:35
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” – Acts 20:35
Galatians 5:13
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” – Galatians 5:13
Rewards of Kindness
Kindness is not without reward. The Bible assures us that when we show genuine kindness, we are not just making a difference in others’ lives; we are building treasures in heaven. God is a generous giver and promises that our acts of kindness will lead to blessings, both in this life and the life to come. Embracing kindness leads to a fulfilling life aligned with God’s plans for us.
Proverbs 11:25
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” – Proverbs 11:25
Matthew 10:41-42
“Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.” – Matthew 10:41-42
Luke 14:13-14
“But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4