How can I show kindness to others?
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.
