One of Jesus’ defining attributes was His kindness to friends and enemies. It didn’t matter who a person was or what they had done; Jesus was always committed to showing them the kindness of God.
He healed those who were sick, cast out demons from those who were oppressed, comforted the grieving, corrected those who had been misled, and even prayed for God to forgive the very people carrying out His crucifixion.
One of the most Christlike things you can do is be kind to those who are unkind to you.
That’s why one of the most Christlike things you can do is be kind to those who are unkind to you.
Kindness is something everyone appreciates, but it’s easy to confuse it with just being nice. Cultural kindness often means politeness, tolerance, or doing a random good deed here and there. But biblical kindness is something deeper.
What Is Biblical Kindness?
Biblical kindness is compassion rooted in God’s love, paired with truth that points people toward the life they were created for.
The Bible calls kindness a fruit of the Spirit. That means it’s not just about personality or trying harder; it’s something God grows in us as we follow Jesus.
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. … Galatians 5:22-23 NLT
Kindness is more than surface-level niceness. It’s an overflow of God’s Holy Spirit at work in us. Jesus modeled this perfectly. It didn’t matter who a person was or what they had done—He was always committed to showing them the kindness of God.
Explore our guide to the fruit of the Spirit.
How Jesus Modeled Kindness
Jesus embodied kindness in every part of His ministry.
One story that captures this is the story of the woman caught in adultery. She was dragged by a mob that wanted Jesus to condemn her for breaking the law. Jesus had every legal right to affirm the killing, but He didn’t. Instead, He asked the mob to consider their own failures, and, one by one, the accusers walked away.
Jesus’ kindness caused Him to care for this woman and rescue her. But His kindness also led Him to offer grace and wisdom.
Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” John 8:10-11 NLT
That encounter with Jesus shows us the core of biblical kindness. Jesus extended compassion without ignoring the truth. He did not excuse her sin, but He also did not crush her with condemnation. His kindness pointed her toward freedom.
This is what the kindness of Jesus looked like in action. Compassion without condemnation. Empathy with accountability. Grace and truth.
This is what the kindness of Jesus looked like in action. Compassion without condemnation. Empathy with accountability. Grace and truth. This is the kindness that Jesus gives to us, and it’s what we are called to share with others. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit is here to help us.
What Biblical Kindness Looks Like in Our Lives
Kindness is not something we can produce by trying harder. It’s something the Holy Spirit grows in us as we follow Jesus. But that doesn’t mean we just sit back and wait for it to happen. It means we partner with God in the process.
Once we learn who Jesus is and what it means to follow Him, the next step is letting that truth shape how we live. The Holy Spirit begins to change the way we think and respond, helping us put on righteousness and holiness in real, everyday ways. Here’s what that can look like.
1. Telling the Truth
So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. Ephesians 4:25 NLT
Kindness starts with honesty. We care enough about the people around us to tell the truth with love and clarity. Truth builds trust, which creates space for connection.
2. Refusing to Let Anger Rule
And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. Ephesians 4:26-27 NLT
Anger happens, but following Jesus means choosing not to let it run the show. Kindness looks like slowing down instead of snapping back. It looks like working through conflict instead of letting it harden our hearts.
3. Giving Instead of Taking
If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. Ephesians 4:28 NLT
Kindness moves us from grabbing what we want to giving what we can. We look for ways to use our time, energy, and resources for good. Generosity becomes a way of showing people what the love of Jesus looks like in action.
4. Using Our Words to Build Up, Not Tear Down
Don’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. Ephesians 4:29 NLT
Words matter, both in person and online. Kindness means choosing words that lift people up rather than crush them. A gentle answer when you’re frustrated, a thoughtful question, or shutting down a toxic conversation can remind someone they’re valued.
5. Replacing Evil with Kindness
Get 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. Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT
Kindness grows when we let go of what poisons our hearts. Bitterness, harshness, and resentment fade as we choose to forgive. This kind of kindness mirrors the way Jesus treats us. It meets people with grace and invites them into something better.
When we let the Holy Spirit shape our thoughts and attitudes, kindness becomes part of our identity.
Why Kindness Matters Today
What if your next act of kindness revealed Jesus to someone who has never truly experienced His love? That is the kind of kindness the Spirit wants to grow in you.
Every word and action is an opportunity to reflect His upside-down way of life. Your choice to forgive, encourage, or speak truth with gentleness might be the reminder someone needs that God sees them and loves them.
Kindness is not something we can manufacture on our own. It grows in us as the Spirit renews our thoughts and attitudes. So ask God for help and find support from trusted friends and mentors.
More Bible Verses About Kindness
Biblical Kindness and the Fruit of the Spirit
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. … Galatians 5:22-23 NIV
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12 NIV
God’s Kindness in Christ Jesus
… that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:7 NIV
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. … Titus 3:4-5 NIV
Kindness That Leads to Change
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 NIV
For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5 NIV
Kindness in Action Toward Others
“This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.’” Zechariah 7:9-10 NIV
“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 NIV
Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves. Proverbs 11:17 NIV
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:9 NIV
Reflect or Discuss
- When you think about kindness, do you usually lean more toward compassion or accountability? Why do you think that is?
- Who in your life could use a reminder of God’s kindness through you this week?
- What is one small, Spirit-led way you could show kindness today?