What is kindness in the Bible?

Kindness (Greek: chrēstotēs) is one of the nine fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. Kindness is goodness turned outward in warm, practical care. It sees a need and meets it, often in small and ordinary ways.

What kindness looks like

• Noticing who's struggling
• Small, practical help
• Warm words to people who serve you

Counterfeit: Helping only when it's convenient or seen.

Opposite: Coldness, harshness and ignoring needs.

15 Bible verses about kindness

And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.

Ephesians 4:32 (WEB)

He who has pity on the poor lends to Yahweh; he will reward him.

Proverbs 19:17 (WEB)

But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil.

Luke 6:35 (WEB)

“As you would like people to do to you, do exactly so to them.

Luke 6:31 (WEB)

Put on therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance;

Colossians 3:12 (WEB)

The merciful man does good to his own soul, but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.

Proverbs 11:17 (WEB)

He has shown you, O man, what is good. What does Yahweh require of you, but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?

Micah 6:8 (WEB)

Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a kind word makes it glad.

Proverbs 12:25 (WEB)

In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate to one another; in honor prefer one another,

Romans 12:10 (WEB)

Don’t withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do it.

Proverbs 3:27 (WEB)

In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring you ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

Acts 20:35 (WEB)

So then, as we have opportunity, let’s do what is good toward all men, and especially toward those who are of the household of the faith.

Galatians 6:10 (WEB)

Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for in doing so, some have entertained angels without knowing it.

Hebrews 13:2 (WEB)

“The King will answer them, ‘Most certainly I tell you, because you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

Matthew 25:40 (WEB)

“Thus has Yahweh of Armies spoken, saying, ‘Execute true judgment, and show kindness and compassion every man to his brother.

Zechariah 7:9 (WEB)

3 ways to practise kindness today

• Small and secret: Choose one Unseen Kindness and do it today without telling anyone.
• Kind to a stranger: Do one quiet kindness for someone you don't know.
• Kind at home: Do one unseen kindness for someone at home.

In the Ninefruit app, the kindness journey has five stages and its own tool, Unseen Kindness: Choose a quiet act of kindness, do it without telling anyone, then mark it done. Only you will ever see this list.

A prayer for kindness

God, help me notice one person who needs kindness today, and act.

Is kindness your strongest fruit, or your growing one? Take the free test.