As Christians, the Bible is our blueprint for how to live our lives. It gives us valuable information on how to follow Jesus, what it means to be a Christian, and how to go about everyday life.
One message that is repeated again and again throughout the Bible is to be kind to others.
But why is this so important? In being kind to others, we are not only showing the love of Jesus to the world but we are also showing Jesus how much we love Him.
Matthew 22:37-40 says, Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” God says that we are to show compassion to others as He has shown compassion for us. This is the second most important commandment when following Christ. And it comes second only to loving God.
Here are 26 bible verses to share with your congregation that will teach the importance of biblical kindness and inspire compassion:
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” –Ephesians 4:32
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” –Luke 6:27
“Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.” –Luke 6:30
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” –Luke 6:31
“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.” –Luke 6:35
“Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” –Colossians 3:12-13
“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.” –1 Peter 3:8-9
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” –1 Peter 4:8
“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” –Acts 20:35
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” –Romans 12:10
“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” –Romans 12:15
“It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice.” –Psalm 112:5
“And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.” –Matthew 5:40-42
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” –1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off.” –Romans 11:22
“Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?” –Romans 2:4
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” –Micah 6:8
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.” –2 Peter 1:5-7
“Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.” –Proverbs 11:17
“The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent and their lips promote instruction. Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” –Proverbs 16:23-24
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.” –Proverbs 19:17
“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” –Proverbs 12:25
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” –Galatians 5:13
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” –Galatians 6:9
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control; against such things there is no law.” –Galatians 5:22-23
“So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” –Galatians 6:10
There are multiple reasons why God tells us to be kind to others. Performing acts of kindness is good for our mental and spiritual help. Kindness directly impacts and benefits others. But most of all, kindness is a way to share the love of Jesus and honor God.
Whether you’re teaching a sermon on kindness or reminding your congregation about the call to be kind, incorporate these verses into your message.
