22+ Bible Verses About Kindness (+ How to Be Truly Kind When It’s Hard)

Have you ever walked away from a conversation and immediately wished you could have a do-over? A moment where you wish you’d chosen a little more patience, a little more grace? If you’re nodding along, please know you are not alone.

In a world that can feel noisy and harsh, and in lives that are often busy and stressful, being kind can feel like one more thing on an already impossible to-do list. It’s not always our first instinct, especially when we’re tired, hurt, or feeling overwhelmed. And the constant pressure to “be better” can be exhausting.

But what if the secret to a kinder heart wasn’t about trying harder, but about leaning deeper? This shift in perspective is a key part of applying Bible verses to our everyday life, turning scripture from abstract rules into a source of real strength. What if true, lasting kindness isn’t a heavy burden we have to carry, but a joyful overflow that comes from first understanding and receiving God’s incredible grace for us? This is the Christian encouragement we all need. Let’s explore this together.

First, Rest in God’s Unfailing Kindness to You

So often, we think we need to start with our own actions. But God invites us to start with His. Before we are ever asked to show kindness, we are invited to simply stop and soak in the reality of His kindness for us.

The Bible puts it this way:

"But when God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy." (Titus 3:4-5 NLT).

I don’t know about you, but I can spend a lot of energy trying to be “good enough”. This verse is such a gentle relief. It reminds my heart that my standing with God isn’t based on my performance. His kindness is a gift, given freely. It’s the starting point for everything else. This truth is so foundational; fully embracing that God loves you allows His grace to overflow into every other area of our lives. And this gift of God’s kindness to us isn’t a one-time event. His mercy is always available.

"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).

Every single morning, there is a fresh supply of grace waiting for you.

Bible Verses About Kindness to Encourage Your Heart

With the beautiful truth of God’s grace as our foundation, here are over 20 verses on kindness. Before we explore them, it’s helpful to understand the biblical definition of kindness. The Greek word often used, chrestotes, implies a goodness that is gentle, active, and helpful to others. This list isn’t a set of rules, but a collection of scriptures to encourage your heart.

Part 1: The Foundation of the Unfailing Kindness of God

1. Ephesians 2:7 (NIV): "…in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus."

2. Joel 2:13 (ESV): "and rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster."

3. Psalm 145:17 (NIV): "The LORD is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works."

4. Romans 2:4 (NLT): "Don't you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can't you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?"

5. 1 John 4:16 (ESV): "So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him."

Part 2: Our Response of Kindness to Others

Here is where God’s kindness to us begins to change how we interact with the world. These bible verses about being kind to others are our gentle call to action.

6. Ephesians 4:32 (NIV): "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

This is the core of it all. The motivation for our kindness isn’t just a command; it’s a direct reflection of the forgiveness we have already received.

I remember a time a friend’s comment left me feeling completely misunderstood and hurt. My immediate, gut reaction was to build a wall and hold onto that grudge. But later that evening, this verse came to mind. The thought of the immense grace God has shown me, for so much more, helped soften my heart enough to let the offense go. This immense grace was demonstrated most powerfully through the sacrifice described in Bible verses about the cross. It’s not always easy, but this verse is such a powerful anchor.

7. Colossians 3:12 (NIV): "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."

I love the phrase “clothe yourselves”. It suggests a gentle, intentional choice we can make each morning – not because we have to, but because we are “dearly loved”.

8. Ephesians 4:29 (NIV): "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."

Such a practical vision for kindness in our daily conversations!

9. 1 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV): "Love is patient, love is kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude."

10. Luke 6:35 (ESV): "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."

This is perhaps the hardest calling, but it shows the radical nature of God’s grace.

11. Proverbs 21:21 (ESV): "Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor."

12. 1 Peter 3:8-9 (ESV): "Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 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."

13. Zechariah 7:9 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another."

14. Proverbs 11:17 (NIV): "Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel harm themselves."

15. Luke 6:31 (NIV): "Do to others as you would have them do to you."

16. Galatians 6:10 (ESV): "So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."

17. Micah 6:8 (ESV): "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?"

18. Romans 12:10 (NIV): "Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves."

19. Proverbs 19:22 (NLT): "What is desired in a man is kindness, and a poor man is better than a liar."

20. 2 Peter 1:5-7 (NIV): "For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love."

This incredible passage shows kindness (mutual affection) not as an isolated trait, but as a vital step in a chain of spiritual growth.

Part 3: The Power Source for Fruit of the Spirit Kindness

This is where the pressure is fully lifted. How are we supposed to do all of this? We don’t – at least, not on our own.

21. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV): "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."

22. Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

Bearing a burden for someone is a profound act of kindness.

A Quick Note: Biblical Kindness vs. “Being Nice”

Many people ask, “What is the difference between kindness and niceness according to the Bible?”. It’s an important question because it’s so easy to mix them up.

Often, “being nice” is motivated by a fear of conflict or a desire for approval. We stay quiet or agreeable to keep the peace. Biblical kindness, however, is motivated by genuine love, which is always concerned with the other person’s ultimate good. This means true kindness is rooted in truth and requires courage. For example, just “being nice” might mean staying silent when a friend is making a harmful choice. But true, biblical kindness might mean having a difficult, loving conversation out of a genuine desire for their well-being. It’s a brave act of love, reflecting the God whose kindness is purposeful and transformative.

How to Show Kindness and Grace When It Feels Impossible

So, what about those moments in real life? When a difficult coworker sends that frustrating email, or your patience with your kids has worn completely thin? Acknowledging that it’s hard to be kind in these moments is important. This struggle is where trusting God when it feels hard becomes more than just a phrase; it becomes a lifeline. This struggle often leads us to seek a prayer for kindness and patience.

In these situations, the goal isn’t to fake a smile or pretend you’re not struggling. The invitation is to pause, even for a single breath, and ask for help. A simple, whispered prayer can change everything:

"Lord, I have no kindness left to give. Can I please have some of Yours?"
"Help me see this person through Your eyes."

This is how to show kindness when you have none – by tapping into the unlimited supply of the One who is kindness itself. This is responding with grace, and it is the strength to be kind that He freely offers.

A Final Thought: Wear Your Faith with a Kinder Heart

True, biblical kindness isn’t another heavy weight to carry in our journey of Christian living. Embracing this grace-filled approach is a foundational step in our spiritual growth.

We invite you to treat this as a daily devotional on kindness this week, returning to these truths each morning. Returning to these truths each morning is a wonderful way to set a positive tone, and if you’re looking for more inspiration, these Bible verses to start your day can be a beautiful addition to your routine. Every small act of kindness, inspired by these Bible verses, is a beautiful way to wear your faith and share the hope of the Gospel in a world that needs it.

What is one Bible verse about kindness that speaks to your heart today? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.