What Does the Bible Say About Kindness — In Biblical Context
Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit and a reflection of God's own character toward humanity.
Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit and a reflection of God's own character toward humanity.
"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
God's kindness leads to repentance (Romans 2:4). Paul lists kindness among the fruit of the Spirit and urges believers to be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving (Ephesians 4:32). Proverbs 31 praises the virtuous woman whose tongue has the law of kindness. Jesus showed kindness to outcasts, sinners, and children. Acts of kindness are never wasted — even small gestures demonstrate the love of Christ to a watching world.
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
"Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?"
"Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering."
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