Question 1

How does God show kindness to me?

Accepted Answer

Psalm 116:5How kind the Lord is! How good he is! So merciful, this God of ours!Psalm 145:8, 17The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. . . . The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness.Romans 5:8God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.Romans 11:6Since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved.Galatians 1:15Even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace.God gives us mercy when we don’t deserve it. He is patient with us and doesn’t lash out when we do something wrong. He loves us unconditionally. God didn’t just create kindness, he himself exhibits kindness.Exodus 33:19The Lord replied, “I will make all my goodness pass before you, and I will call out my name, Yahweh, before you. For I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose.”Jeremiah 32:18You show unfailing love to thousands, but you also bring the consequences of one generation’s sin upon the next. You are the great and powerful God, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.When we rebel against God, he loves us anyway. When we resist God and feel he isn’t being kind to us, our stubbornness may be keeping us from seeing his kindness all around us.Romans 3:24-25God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past.2 Corinthians 6:1-3As God’s partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God’s kindness and then ignore it. For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation. We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry.”Ephesians 2:6-7He [God] raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.Titus 3:4-5When 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. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.1 Peter 5:10In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.In his kindness God calls us to his eternal glory by means of Jesus Christ.Ephesians 1:6-8So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.God forgives our sins and offers us salvation—a guarantee of living forever with him in heaven. If God were not kind, we would get the punishment we deserve. Because of his kindness, we have been offered forgiveness we don’t deserve.Romans 2:4Don’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?2 Peter 3:9The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.God shows his kindness by giving people time to turn from their sin and turn to him.Hosea 11:4I led Israel along with my ropes of kindness and love. I lifted the yoke from his neck, and I myself stooped to feed him.Acts 14:17He never left them [the nations] without evidence of himself and his goodness. For instance, he sends you rain and good crops and gives you food and joyful hearts.In his kindness, God doesn’t just comfort us with words, he also meets our needs. God’s kindness has hands and feet.Nehemiah 9:17They refused to obey and did not remember the miracles you had done for them. Instead, they became stubborn and appointed a leader to take them back to their slavery in Egypt. But you are a God of forgiveness, gracious and merciful, slow to become angry, and rich in unfailing love. You did not abandon them.Psalm 106:43-46Again and again he rescued them, but they chose to rebel against him, and they were finally destroyed by their sin. Even so, he pitied them in their distress and listened to their cries. He remembered his covenant with them and relented because of his unfailing love. He even caused their captors to treat them with kindness.Joel 2:13Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead. Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish.Romans 5:20-21God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant. So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.God is slow to anger and quick to forgiveness, slow to punish and quick to show mercy. How kind God is!

Question 2

How can I show God my gratitude for his kindness to me?

Accepted Answer

Psalm 9:1I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done.Psalm 92:2It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, your faithfulness in the evening.In response to God’s kindness to us, we can thank and praise him—sooner rather than later. Deferred gratitude can become ingratitude.Ephesians 4:32Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.When we are kind to others, we show God our gratitude for his kindness to us.2 Chronicles 32:24-25About that time Hezekiah became deathly ill. He prayed to the Lord, who healed him and gave him a miraculous sign. But Hezekiah did not respond appropriately to the kindness shown him, and he became proud. So the Lord’s anger came against him and against Judah and Jerusalem.We must respond to God’s kindness with humility rather than pride, which reveals ingratitude and ignorance.Romans 2:4Don’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?We respond to God’s kindness with love and obedience.Nehemiah 9:16-18Our ancestors were proud and stubborn, and they paid no attention to your commands. They refused to obey and did not remember the miracles you had done for them. Instead, they became stubborn and appointed a leader to take them back to their slavery in Egypt! But you are a God of forgiveness, gracious and merciful, slow to become angry, and rich in unfailing love. You did not abandon them, even when they made an idol shaped like a calf and said, “This is your god who brought you out of Egypt!” They committed terrible blasphemies.Psalm 42:6My God! Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember you—even from distant Mount Hermon, the source of the Jordan, from the land of Mount Mizar.We need to remember God’s kindness to us in the past. If we forget it, we may begin to doubt his goodness and even resist the good plans he has for us. How foolish to forget God’s kindness!

Question 3

Why should I be kind to others?

Accepted Answer

Zechariah 7:9“This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Judge fairly, and show mercy and kindness to one another.”Ephesians 4:32Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.We should be kind to others because God has commanded it.Proverbs 11:17Your kindness will reward you, but your cruelty will destroy you.2 Corinthians 8:9You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.2 Corinthians 10:1Now I, Paul, appeal to you with the gentleness and kindness of Christ—though I realize you think I am timid in person and bold only when I write from far away.We should be kind to others because God has been kind to us and asks us to do the same. Being kind to others is a way to show them Jesus’ love. When we are kind, we are following Jesus’ example.Jeremiah 32:19You have all wisdom and do great and mighty miracles. You see the conduct of all people, and you give them what they deserve.Matthew 25:34-40“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’”Luke 6:34-35“And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return. Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked.”Philippians 4:17I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness.We should be kind to others because God rewards kindness. True kindness is not motivated by reward, but God does promise rewards for kindness.Colossians 1:10Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.Philemon 1:7Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people.We should be kind to others because kindness is like food for the soul, nourishing not only us but also others.Matthew 7:12“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.”We should be kind to others because our kindness encourages them to be kind.Ruth 2:10-12Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly. “What have I done to deserve such kindness?” she asked. “I am only a foreigner.” “Yes, I know,” Boaz replied. “But I also know about everything you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband. I have heard how you left your father and mother and your own land to live here among complete strangers. May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.”We should be kind to others because kindness is not lost on others and often spreads from person to person.

Question 4

Where do I find the desire to be kind?

Accepted Answer

1 John 4:7-10Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.1 John 4:19We love each other because he loved us first.Kindness to others is a response to God’s abundant kindness to us.2 Corinthians 3:18So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.Galatians 5:22-23The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.Kindness is a “fruit” of the Holy Spirit, a by-product of his work in us.Luke 6:35“Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked.”2 Timothy 1:9God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus.1 John 3:17-18If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.We are kind because we want to follow the example of our Lord.

Question 5

How can I show kindness to others?

Accepted Answer

Proverbs 3:3Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart.Acts 9:36-42There was a believer in Joppa named Tabitha (which in Greek is Dorcas). She was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor. About this time she became ill and died. Her body was washed for burial and laid in an upstairs room. But the believers had heard that Peter was nearby at Lydda, so they sent two men to beg him, “Please come as soon as possible!” So Peter returned with them; and as soon as he arrived, they took him to the upstairs room. The room was filled with widows who were weeping and showing him the coats and other clothes Dorcas had made for them. But Peter asked them all to leave the room; then he knelt and prayed. Turning to the body he said, “Get up, Tabitha.” And she opened her eyes! When she saw Peter, she sat up! He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then he called in the widows and all the believers, and he presented her to them alive. The news spread through the whole town, and many believed in the Lord.True kindness is not a single act but a lifestyle. We can begin by showing kindness in the small things we say and do, which helps us become truly kind in all situations.Deuteronomy 22:1-4“If you see your neighbor’s ox or sheep or goat wandering away, don’t ignore your responsibility. Take it back to its owner. If its owner does not live nearby or you don’t know who the owner is, take it to your place and keep it until the owner comes looking for it. Then you must return it. Do the same if you find your neighbor’s donkey, clothing, or anything else your neighbor loses. Don’t ignore your responsibility. If you see that your neighbor’s donkey or ox has collapsed on the road, do not look the other way. Go and help your neighbor get it back on its feet!”Luke 10:30-35Jesus replied with a story: “A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road. By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side. Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’”Acts 3:3-7When he [a man lame from birth] saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money. Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!” The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened.Kindness does not look the other way, ignoring the needy, but is attentive to and responds sensitively to the needs of others. Time, money, and convenience are less important than the well-being of others.Acts 28:1-2Once we were safe on shore, we learned that we were on the island of Malta. The people of the island were very kind to us. It was cold and rainy, so they built a fire on the shore to welcome us.Galatians 6:10Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.Kindness looks for opportunities to help, such as times of trouble and hardship.Ephesians 4:31-32Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.Colossians 3:12-13Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.Kindness involves forgiving others.Acts 27:3The next day when we docked at Sidon, Julius was very kind to Paul and let him go ashore to visit with friends so they could provide for his needs.1 Peter 3:8-9All of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.Kindness shows grace and mercy to others, even if they have wronged you.Proverbs 11:25The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.Proverbs 22:9Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor.Matthew 5:42“Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.”Luke 3:11John replied, “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.”Luke 6:38“Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.”Acts 2:44-45All the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.Acts 20:35“I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”Romans 15:26-27You see, the believers in Macedonia and Achaia have eagerly taken up an offering for the poor among the believers in Jerusalem. They were glad to do this because they feel they owe a real debt to them. Since the Gentiles received the spiritual blessings of the Good News from the believers in Jerusalem, they feel the least they can do in return is to help them financially.2 Corinthians 8:1-5Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do.Ephesians 4:28If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need.Kindness involves generously sharing what we have with others.Genesis 24:32So the man went home with Laban, and Laban unloaded the camels, gave him straw for their bedding, fed them, and provided water for the man and the camel drivers to wash their feet.Isaiah 58:7Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.Romans 12:13When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.1 Peter 4:9Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.Kindness is shown in hospitality.Exodus 22:21-22“You must not mistreat or oppress foreigners in any way. Remember, you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt. You must not exploit a widow or an orphan.”Leviticus 19:34“Do not take advantage of foreigners who live among you in your land. Treat them like native-born Israelites, and love them as you love yourself. Remember that you were once foreigners living in the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.”Hebrews 13:2Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!Kindness is displayed in helping strangers and those different from us.2 Timothy 2:24A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.Kindness is associated with peacemaking and patience.Proverbs 16:24Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.Proverbs 27:5-6An open rebuke is better than hidden love! Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.Proverbs 31:26When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.Matthew 18:15“If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back.”Galatians 6:1Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.Ephesians 4:15-16Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.Ephesians 4:29Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.James 5:19-20My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins.Kindness includes speaking the truth in love. Truth without love insults others, strains relationships, and hardens hearts. Without love, truth changes nothing. Love without truth allows sin to flourish and grow out of control. Without truth, love becomes corrupted. Neither of these approaches shows true kindness.Ephesians 6:9Masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Don’t threaten them; remember, you both have the same Master in heaven, and he has no favorites.Kindness rejects the abuse of authority.Proverbs 14:21It is a sin to belittle one’s neighbor; blessed are those who help the poor.Proverbs 19:17If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord—and he will repay you!Proverbs 28:27Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed.Proverbs 31:20She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.Luke 14:13-14“Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. Then at the resurrection of the righteous, God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you.”We show kindness by helping those who cannot help us in return.Matthew 10:42“If you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.”Luke 16:10“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.”Our acts of kindness do not need to be major, publicly acknowledged events. God sees and rewards every act of kindness because such acts reflect a loving heart.

Question 6

How should I respond when others are unkind to me?

Accepted Answer

Matthew 5:47If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that.1 Peter 3:9Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.Kindness isn’t conditional but rather is a quality of the heart given with integrity.Proverbs 24:28-29Don’t testify against your neighbors without cause; don’t lie about them. And don’t say, “Now I can pay them back for what they’ve done to me! I’ll get even with them!”Romans 12:19Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.1 Thessalonians 5:15See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.We must not seek revenge or try to retaliate toward others in any way. Revenge is the opposite of kindness and only escalates conflict. That said, kindness, does not nullify justice. Choosing kindness includes trusting God’s justice.Genesis 50:15-21Now that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers became fearful. “Now Joseph will show his anger and pay us back for all the wrong we did to him,” they said. So they sent this message to Joseph: “Before your father died, he instructed us to say to you: ‘Please forgive your brothers for the great wrong they did to you—for their sin in treating you so cruelly.’ So we, the servants of the God of your father, beg you to forgive our sin.” When Joseph received the message, he broke down and wept. Then his brothers came and threw themselves down before Joseph. “Look, we are your slaves!” they said. But Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.” So he reassured them by speaking kindly to them.2 Kings 6:18-23As the Aramean army advanced toward him, Elisha prayed, “O Lord, please make them blind.” So the Lord struck them with blindness as Elisha had asked. Then Elisha went out and told them, “You have come the wrong way! This isn’t the right city! Follow me, and I will take you to the man you are looking for.” And he led them to the city of Samaria. As soon as they had entered Samaria, Elisha prayed, “O Lord, now open their eyes and let them see.” So the Lord opened their eyes, and they discovered that they were in the middle of Samaria. When the king of Israel saw them, he shouted to Elisha, “My father, should I kill them? Should I kill them?” “Of course not!” Elisha replied. “Do we kill prisoners of war? Give them food and drink and send them home again to their master.” So the king made a great feast for them and then sent them home to their master. After that, the Aramean raiders stayed away from the land of Israel.Proverbs 25:21-22If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them water to drink. You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads, and the Lord will reward you.Luke 6:27-36“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back. Do to others as you would like them to do to you. If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return. Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.”Romans 12:14Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.God calls us to pray for those who have treated us unkindly, and he commands us to look for opportunities to compassionately meet their needs. This is the kind of radical kindness God first demonstrated to us (Romans 5:8).