20 Powerful Bible Verses About Kindness

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Not long ago, God presented me with an opportunity to show kindness to someone. I admit, at first, I did not recognize it. It had been a long day; one full of meetings; I was feeling brain-dead, emotionally weary, and desperate for some alone time before my next meeting. After the encounter, I have been contemplating Bible verses about kindness and all that the Bible has to say about being kind to those around us.

With my Bible and study on Joshua in hand, I headed to Panera. Scanning the tables, I sought a quiet nook where I could escape for an hour. Making a beeline for the perfect table, a young woman shouts, “You have a Bible! You must be a Christian!”

I smiled and replied, “Yes, I am.”

Carrying onto my table, I settled in, opening my study guide. Another loud interruption turned heads and got my attention, “I go to church, too!”

Looking up, I smiled and nodded, secretly hoping, if I looked away, this lady would leave me alone.  

Quite the opposite happened. The woman scurried over to my table, got close and shared, “I’ve been in the hospital. My social worker is to meet me here. I think she’s late. I need a place to stay tonight. Can you help me?”  

It was apparent by the smell she needed a bath; it was possible she was homeless. The more she talked, I suspected she was also an adult with special needs.

Nervously, but boldly, she asked if I could give her $75 so she could stay at the Sleep Inn for the night.

I didn’t have $75 on me, but I gave her the $20 I did have. She said, “Thank you,” and went back to her table.

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I opened my book on Joshua, and while I was reading, I felt the Holy Spirit press upon me that He wanted me to pay for her hotel room that night. I’m thinking, how? Brushing off the impression, I kept reading.

Then I came across this statement in my book, “In everyone’s life, and in every community, there is someone who needs us to help them.”

Nudging me again, the Lord was not letting this go!  

I gave God all kinds of excuses and continued to read about Rahab in Joshua Chapter 2; then like a bright light, the following words from the study guide lanced right through my heart: “There is a ‘Rahab’ in every community who needs someone to point them to Jesus.”

I stopped.

Glancing up at the woman, I realized she was my ‘Rahab.’ She needed someone to touch her with God’s kindness.

As I leaned into the Holy Spirit’s prompting, He began to unravel the plan before me. I could get her name, call the Sleep Inn, pay for her a room that night with my credit card, and pay the card off the following month.

I was about to get everything ready when I noticed the woman sheepishly walk up and order herself food with the money I gave her.

She came by my table, with her head down, carrying a hot meal, and said she was so sorry for using the money for food instead of her hotel; she went on to share how hungry she was.

My heart sank!

I no longer was moved by obedience to God; suddenly, compassion was the driving force.

I told her to eat and not to worry about spending the money. I also told her that I wanted to pay for her a hotel that night.

Relief filled her eyes.  

After getting her name, which was Marylyn, I called Sleep Inn and arranged for her night’s stay that evening. While making the call, I overheard her praying, thanking God for her food and for the money that He gave her.

Bible Verses about Being Kind

Marylyn needed a long-term solution to her problem. I didn’t have that solution, but what I did have I gave her.

I made sure she had food, a place to sleep; a place to wash up and eat a hot morning breakfast; so she could have one day of rest and security. And lastly, she had a firm promise to me to pray for her.

This woman needed a touch of God’s kindness; I’m glad I changed course and chose to be there for her. That day, God was calling me to be a tangible light in her world. This resulted in God getting glory and praise!

As it turns out, I didn’t get that alone time I desperately needed. After that whole ordeal was over, my friend showed up for our meeting; however, rather than refueling with solitude, I was filled with something much better – the Holy Spirit’s concern for someone else’s happiness. 

Matthew 5:13-16 ESV

You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 5:13-16 ESV

You are the light of the world! The light! If you are not shining the light of Jesus into this dark and broken world, then who will? It does not need to be complicated, show kindness to those around you. You won’t regret it. Your mission field maybe your children, co-workers, or strangers on the street; wherever God has placed you don’t neglect to show the light of Jesus to those you are in daily contact with.

Bible verses about kindness. Matthew 6:14-16

Proverbs 19:17

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

Proverbs 19:17 ESV

What a powerful verse to remind us that the Lord cares about those who are poor. Too often we brush by those in need thinking that it’s ‘their fault’ that they are in the situations they are in. How judgemental! Haven’t you ever made a series of choices that led you somewhere you didn’t expect? And those results were nothing like you expected? Forgive us God for being narrow-minded. May we find it in our hearts to be generous to those in need \.

Galatians 19:17. Bible verses about kindness

Proverbs 11:17

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

Proverbs 11:17 ESV

Proverbs are filled with simple wisdom, and this is one of those simple verses that you sort of might look at and say ‘duh’, but don’t pass it by too quickly. Sometimes we think that kindness will cost us something. Maybe our pride, convictions, or time. Yet Proverbs reminds us that kindness benefits us!

Galatians 6:10

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 ESV

Especially those who are in the household of faith. As sad as it seems, sometimes those who are in the same faith as our own, receive neglect of kindness. Don’t forget those that are in your own community. There are a plethora of individuals who are hurting right now, who can you think of that could use a boost of encouragement or care? Be the one that extends it with a kind note, flowers, a helpful hand, or whatever God puts on your heart.

Bible verses about kindness. Galatians 6:10

1 John 3:18

Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

1 John 3:18 ESV 

I love how ‘deed’ is mentioned before truth in this passage. Truth has become a very hot topic in today’s Christian environment and I would like to submit to you that our deeds will have more of an impact on the unbeliever than our declaration of what is truth. That does not downplay the significance of truth, but it merely

Bible verses about Kindness. 1 John 3:18

1 John 3:17

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 ESV

The opportunities to be kind in this world are unlimited! We must be intentional and ready to act. We need to be sensitive to the Spirit’s leading in our life.

Jesus is our greatest model for this. He teaches us that kindness is compassionate.  

We see over and over in scripture where Jesus moved with compassion. He felt it; He embodied it; and in every circumstance where compassion was present, He acted in kindness.

Would you agree that it’s hard to be kind to others when we are tired, hungry, and suffering from a loss? In times like these, our humanness tends to turn inward. But Jesus did not allow His humanness to keep Him from caring.

Instead of leaning into His flesh, He leaned into His compassion for the hurting people around Him. We must move in sync with the movement of Jesus.

Romans 12:10

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

Romans 12:10 ESV

Outdo! Are you looking to outdo each other in showing honor, kindness, and goodness to those around you? It’s not a competition, but a rallying cry to be the ones that are showing the world and those around us what true love and kindness look like.

Romans 12:15

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

Romans 12:15 ESV

This is a verse that I honestly don’t like very well. I want to forget that there are hurting people around me. I want to pretend that the world is a cheery place where I only see the best in people. That is not reality. The reality is that there is probably a hurting person next door to you who needs your love and kindness. Be that person.

Lamentations 3:22-23

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV

Praise God that when we mess up and instead of showing patience and love, we show anger or God forbid hatred. On the days that you find your ‘Fruits of the Spirt’ are not quite there, find peace in knowing that your God’s mercies never come to an end!

1 Peter 3:8

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

1 Peter 3:8 ESV

This verse reminds me of the Fruits of the Spirit, and the impact that a simple act of kindness can make. Each day put on a tender heart and show compassion to those around you.

Psalm 103:13

As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.

Psalm 103:13 ESV

This is a verse that becomes more powerful when you are a caregiver or parent. When we truly love a child, we receive a taste of how powerful God’s love and compassion are for us.

Bible verses about kindness. Psalm 103:13

Isaiah 54:10

“For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

Isaiah 54:10 ESV

Interestingly, kindness is not just helpful to others; it’s useful to our health, and even more importantly, it’s attractive.  

Note what David R. Hamilton says in his article, “The 5 Side Effects of Kindness”:

“Acts of kindness create an emotional warmth, which releases a hormone known as oxytocin…Oxytocin causes the release of a chemical called nitric oxide, which dilates the blood vessels. This reduces blood pressure and, therefore, oxytocin is known as a “cardioprotective” hormone. It protects the heart by lowering blood pressure.”

David R. Hamilton

This article goes on to give other examples of how acts of kindness can slow aging, lessens anxiety, and makes one a happier human being. It also notes that kindness is attractive.

It is not God’s wrath that draws people to Him; it is His love and kindness.

Jeremiah 31:3

I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.

Jeremiah 31:3 ESV

The word “drawn” in this verse means “to attract.” Kindness opens the door to a relationship. The Bible is filled with Bible verses about kindness and the love and kindness of God. As I have said many times, kindness changes everything.

Titus 3:4

But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,

Titus 3:4 ESV

We can’t forget the gospel story in the midst of our attempts to pursue kindness. Jesus is the reason for life, he is the reason for everything that we do. Our love for our savior should spur us on to kindness and good works.

John 3:16

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16 ESV

Some would say that this is an overused passage, but it has been overused because of its power of truth. Remember that kindness and truth do not cancel each other out. Kindness and truth can coexist in beautiful harmony because of the love that Jesus demonstrated to us.

Bible verses about kindness. John 3;16

Psalm 117:2

For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord!

Psalm 117:2 ESV

Praise the Lord that his love for us is so great! Praise him that his faithfulness endures forever! These things should encourage us to spread love throughout our community, family, and those entrusted to our care. When someone gives you a gift of great value, is it your natural instinct to ignore the person who is the giver, or do you gush with gratitude? The same is true of God, when he provides us with such love and faithfulness, our natural instinct should be to praise and give thanks to him.

Isaiah 49:15-16

Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.

Isaiah 49:15-16 ESV

If God has engraved you on the palm of his hands, can he forget you? This verse is one that should remind us how precious God’s children are to him. If he created you, redeemed you, restored you, remember that you are precious to God! The same is true of those around you, remember that the people that you see around this world are also precious to God, he created them.

Bible verses about kindness. Isaiah 49:15-16 ESV

Romans 5:8

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8 ESV

When you really stop, pause, and let this verse sink in, it should cause you to truly melt in humility and gratefulness. God didn’t just send Jesus to earth for those in the present and past times, he sent Jesus to earth for all knowing who he was carefully crafted to come to earth at each given moment.

Bible verses about kindness. Romans 5:8

Isaiah 54:8

In overflowing anger for a moment I hid my face from you, but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,” says the Lord, your Redeemer.

Isaiah 54:8 ESV

The kindness of God is absolutely perfect. It took me many years of refining my theology to understand that gold little truth. God’s anger, kindness, compassion, etc. exist absolutely perfectly! Our finite and human minds can’t understand perfect emotions because we have sin-tainted emotions, but God’s love and anger exist perfectly and in balance. A verse like Isaiah 54:8 reminds me that God has perfectly

Colossians 3:12

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.

Colossians 3:12 ESV

We end our little exploration of Bible verses about kindness with this one from Colossians 3:12, which reminds us once again that we should be putting on the Fruits of the Spirit and remembering to show God’s kindness to the world around us.

How Kindness Can Spread Joy

One of the reasons I married my husband is because he was kind. Having a sister with Down Syndrome, Dan has a special place in his heart for those with disabilities.

While dating, I will never forget the day we went to Kings Dominion. It was here that I determined I wanted to be with him for the rest of my life.

We were standing in line to get a drink. A young boy with Down Syndrome stood behind us. Dan first let the young boy go in front of us, and then he started to talk to him. He was encouraging him; joking with him, laughing, and genuinely showing this boy acceptance and value.

Do you know what I was doing? I was standing there watching this happen before my eyes and thinking, “Dan, you are the sexiest man on earth!”

His kindness and generosity drew me closer to him. He was always helping people, always serving; it was so attractive; I fell in love with this character quality in him. And he has never changed – one of the many reasons he makes a wonderful ministry partner!  

The same is true for you. God’s kindness working through you draws people toward you and allows you to share the love of Christ with them.  

The Bible is filled with powerful Bible verses about kindness and compassion. As believers, we are to walk that road of kindness to point others back to Jesus.

I ask you, who is your ‘Rahab?’ Find her; be attentive to the strangers in your midst, and then show them one act of kindness. You will feel great, and so will they!

Kindness changes everything. You can get my Kindness Changes Everything coloring pack by visiting this link.


A Little More About Marcie

Marcie Cramsey is a Children’s Minister, blogger, Family Life Coach, and author of Deep & Wide: Raising Children Deep in Jesus and Wide in Influence. She loves to talk and write about family, God, His love, and the full life we can find in His Son, Jesus. She has been married for 33 years to her best friend and partner in ministry, Dan. They are parents to four children, one son-in-law, two daughters-in-law and grandparents to a sweet granddaughter. They live in Va., loving life, and serving their community!

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26 thoughts on “20 Powerful Bible Verses About Kindness”

  1. My hubby is exactly the same way, very servant hearted and happy to be so. Love this post. So sweet and made me smile. Jesus was filled with so much compassion for people and He was our great example. Thank you again.

    1. I loved her story about her husband. It made my heart so happy to hear of such kindness from husbands!

  2. Wow, I love this story! I wish more Christians would be open to being a blessing to others like you were. Some day I would love to have a large house where people could come to stay to get their lives back on track.

    1. That sounds like a lovely goal! I have a very similar dream. I’m actually working on a Kindness Challenge that has to do with showing hospitality in our homes!

    2. Susan, that’s a wonderful idea! We have actually been that family in the past. We have had many teens stay at our house for a season, helping them get their footing in the world. During a severe snowstorm, we had a family of eleven live with us for over a month because they lost electricity and therefore could not cook, or stay warm. It was interesting. But such a blessing to serve! 🙂

    1. Yes, I pray that for myself, too, Melissa! Opportunities are all around us. It definitely takes being alert and watching in order to do something about those opportunities. 🙂

  3. Somewhere along the line, we seem to have replaced Christianity with just understanding theology–instead of living out our faith in the community. Great post! God bless!

    1. You are so right, Nancy! The theology we believe and the words of God that we read are not meant to be stored in our heads; they are meant to be lived out so that people will worship God.

  4. Jessica Brodie

    This inspires me so much. To me, the most beautiful reflection of God’s love comes in the unexpected kindnesses of strangers. Thank you for this… I got goosebumps reading it!

  5. Marcie, this is beautiful and vulnerable in so many ways. I love how God changed your plans and your mind for your “Rahab” that day. What we often don’t realize is how kindness can change someone’s life one day at a time. I hope and pray Marilyn gets the long term help she needs. And I pray for more “Marcies” … more kindness ambassadors to those who desperately need compassion …those who are often sent as divine appointments. We just need to listen to those promptings by the Holy Spirit. Thanks for this story of compassion.

    1. Aw, you’re so sweet, Karen. I pray for more people to be attentive to those around them. I so need the Holy Spirit to guide me, but I also need to keep in step with Him. His power and His love propel me to serve with a heart like Jesus. That day was indeed a divine appointment that I had no idea was set for me and Marilyn. I still pray for her often.

  6. What an amazing reminder to obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit! I will never forget a time when I had an opportunity to share God’s kindness, but instead of leaning into the Spirit, I leaned into my flesh. I’m ashamed of that moment, but it drives me forward to remember obedience and kindness is better than giving into the fear of awkwardness and the selfishness of comfort!

    1. We all have those moments when we give in to our flesh and look back and wish we did things differently. The key is to learn from them and to do a new thing when the next opportunity comes. Thank you for sharing your heart, Emily! 🙂

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