What Does the Bible Say About Kindness — In Biblical Context
The Bible presents kindness as an attribute of God and a fruit of the Spirit that believers are commanded to show toward all people.
The Bible presents kindness as an attribute of God and a fruit of the Spirit that believers are commanded to show toward all people.
"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." — Ephesians 4:32 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
Kindness is both a divine attribute and a Christian virtue. Ephesians 2:7 speaks of 'the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.' As a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), kindness is not optional but an expected mark of genuine faith. Paul commands believers to 'be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another' (Ephesians 4:32). Colossians 3:12 instructs believers to 'put on... kindness' as part of their new identity in Christ. Proverbs 31:26 describes the virtuous woman as one who opens her mouth with wisdom and has 'the law of kindness' on her tongue.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Ephesians 4:32, sits inside Ephesians 4. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
Supporting Passages
"Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering."
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