Why Be Kind? What the Bible Says About the Value of Kindness
When you observe indifference, hostility, and outright hatred, you probably agree that we need kindness more than ever. No wonder we value people who are considerate, friendly, and generous—people who really care and are willing to help others. When we witness or experience kindness, our hearts are touched.
In this article
Why is kindness important?
When we show kindness, we benefit the people we are close to. Kindness is also good for the communities we live in. In what ways? Kindness tends to build trust. This breaks down barriers between people and makes it easier to form social ties. Kindness improves relationships and encourages people to feel better about themselves. It can smooth over awkward conversations and make difficult situations more manageable. By treating others with kindness, we help them feel that they truly belong. And perhaps one of the greatest benefits of kindness is that it is contagious. When it spreads, it has the potential to make the world a better place.
Kindness is good for us too. The Bible says that “a kind man benefits himself, but the cruel person brings trouble on himself.” (Proverbs 11:17) How? Researchers report that showing kindness triggers our brain to release certain chemicals. These chemicals can reduce stress and increase feelings of happiness and well-being. We also benefit when we treat ourselves kindly by being realistic and reasonable. We risk our own welfare if we constantly put ourselves down or aim for unreachably high standards.
The Bible recommends that we make kindness our way of life by saying: “Clothe yourselves with . . . kindness.” (Colossians 3:12) Just as our clothes are clearly visible to others, our kindness should be clearly evident in what we do and say. It becomes part of who we are. This means that we will not simply perform random acts of kindness, but rather we will naturally be kind in every situation.
How to show kindness
Develop empathy.
The Bible says: “Try to understand how other people are feeling.”—1 Peter 3:8, EasyEnglish Bible.
Kindness starts with empathy, the ability to share another person’s feelings and emotions as if they were your own. So try your best to discern what other people are going through. Listen carefully when they speak—this will help them feel understood, something on which everyone thrives. By seeing the world from their perspective, you will be better able to show them patience and to forgive them if they annoy or even offend you.—Colossians 3:13.
Be thoughtful and compassionate.
The Bible says: “Consider one another.”—Hebrews 10:24.
Show consideration for other people. Be thoughtful by anticipating what they might need. Then demonstrate compassion by offering to assist them. For example, could a neighbor use some help with transportation, shopping, or chores around the home? (Proverbs 3:27) If someone you know is having a hard time, could you reach out to encourage him?—1 Thessalonians 5:11, 14.
Think before you speak.
The Bible says: “Thoughtless speech is like the stabs of a sword, but the tongue of the wise is a healing.”—Proverbs 12:18.
Consider not only what you say but also how you say it. Angry or thoughtless words can crush a person’s feelings and make a bad situation worse. However, kind words are reassuring, show that you care, and can calm a tense situation.
Really care about people.
The Bible says: “Look out not only for your own interests, but also for the interests of others.”—Philippians 2:4.
Take a genuine interest in the welfare of others, and express that interest both in what you say and in what you do. Be attentive, perhaps by taking the initiative to check regularly on someone in need. Be generous with your time. Show your interest even in small ways—with a friendly smile, a courteous greeting, or a comforting word.
Examples of kindness in the Bible
Although he was the head of the family, Abraham allowed his nephew Lot to take first choice of the best place to live.—Genesis 13:5-12.
Ruth stuck with her mother-in-law, Naomi, and supported her both practically and emotionally after they were widowed.—Ruth 1:16.
Tabitha (also known as Dorcas) made clothes and donated them to the needy.—Acts 9:36-39.
When the apostle Paul was thrown into a Roman prison, his friend Onesiphorus diligently searched for him to encourage him.—2 Timothy 1:16, 17.
Jesus’ parable of the good Samaritan taught a powerful lesson about kindness. It told of a man who proved to be a real neighbor by going out of his way to help a Jew who had been robbed and beaten.—Luke 10:29-37.