And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
What the Bible Says About Kindness
Kindness is a core attribute of God and a fruit of the Holy Spirit's work in a believer's life. The Bible reveals that God Himself is kind to the unthankful and to the evil (Luke 6:35), which means His kindness is not reserved for the deserving. Every sunrise, every provision, every moment of life is an expression of God's kindness toward a world that often ignores Him.
Paul lists kindness as one of the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22, placing it alongside love, joy, peace, and gentleness. This means that kindness is not merely a personality trait that some people happen to possess; it is a supernatural quality that the Holy Spirit produces in every believer who walks with God. If the Spirit lives in you, kindness should flow from you.
Ephesians 4:32 connects kindness to forgiveness, instructing believers to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving, even as God for Christ's sake forgave them. This reveals that biblical kindness has depth far beyond surface-level niceness. It extends to forgiving those who have wronged you, showing compassion to the difficult, and doing good without expecting anything in return.
Romans 2:4 teaches that it is the goodness and kindness of God that leads people to repentance. This is a remarkable truth: God draws sinners to Himself not through harshness but through kindness. When believers reflect this same quality, they become instruments of God's drawing power in the lives of those around them.
Key Bible Verses
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”
— Ephesians 4:32
“The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.”
— Proverbs 11:17
“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;”
— Colossians 3:12
“But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.”
— Luke 6:35
Practical Application
- Look for one specific way to show unexpected kindness to someone each day, especially someone who may not deserve it.
- Respond to rudeness or hostility with kindness, following the example of God who is kind to the unthankful.
- Teach your children that kindness is not weakness but strength under control, reflecting the character of God.
- Practice kindness in your speech by using words that build up, encourage, and comfort rather than tear down.
- Remember that your acts of kindness may be the means God uses to draw someone closer to Himself.
Family Discussion & Activity
Discussion Questions
- ? Why do you think God is kind even to people who do not love Him?
- ? What is the difference between being kind and just being nice?
- ? How can we show kindness to someone who has been unkind to us?
- ? Can you think of a time when someone's kindness made a big difference in your day?
Family Activity
This week, look for examples of kindness in your daily lives. Share one example at dinner each night and talk about how the Bible's teachings on kindness can guide your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is kindness the same as being nice?
Not exactly. Niceness is often a social courtesy, while biblical kindness is a deliberate choice rooted in love, even when it is costly or inconvenient. Kindness sometimes requires telling hard truths, setting boundaries, or making sacrifices. It is motivated by genuine care for the other person's well-being, not merely by a desire to be liked.
How is kindness a fruit of the Spirit?
Galatians 5:22-23 lists kindness as one of the qualities the Holy Spirit produces in believers. This means that as Christians grow in their relationship with God and yield to the Spirit's work, kindness naturally increases in their lives. It is not something we manufacture through effort alone but something God develops in us.
Why does Romans 2:4 say God's kindness leads to repentance?
God's kindness reveals His true character to sinners. When people experience undeserved goodness from God, it exposes the contrast between His love and their rebellion, creating a desire to turn from sin and toward Him. Harshness may produce fear, but kindness produces genuine heart change.
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