The quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate reflecting God's love.
1. The Biblical Definition of Kindness
Biblical kindness is far more than being “nice.” It is a powerful, covenant-rooted expression of God’s own nature, flowing through His people by the Holy Spirit.
Key Biblical Words
Hebrew – chesed
One of the richest Old Testament words related to kindness is chesed (חֶסֶד). It is often translated as “lovingkindness,” “steadfast love,” “mercy,” or “covenant love.” It speaks of:
Loyal love
Covenant faithfulness
Compassionate kindness in action
Chesed is not sentimental; it is love that binds itself to another and acts for their good, even at a cost. When God reveals Himself to Moses, He declares He is “abounding in steadfast love (chesed) and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6).
Hebrew – tov and related terms
Another word related to kindness is tov (טוֹב) – “good, pleasant, beneficial.” God’s goodness expresses itself in His kind actions toward His people (Psalm 145:9).
Greek – chrēstotēs
In the New Testament, the main word for kindness is chrēstotēs (χρηστότης). It means:
Goodness in action
Moral excellence with a gentle, gracious disposition
Kindness that is useful and beneficial
It is used of God’s kindness (Romans 2:4; Titus 3:4) and is listed as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).
Greek – eleos and agapē
While eleos (mercy) and agapē (love) are distinct words, they often overlap with kindness. Kindness is love expressed in practical, beneficial ways.
A Working Definition
Biblically, kindness is the Spirit-empowered expression of God’s covenant love, shown through practical, beneficial actions, gentle words, and a gracious attitude toward others, especially the undeserving.
It is not weakness, but strength under the control of love. It reflects the heart of God Himself: “for He is kind to the ungrateful and the evil” (Luke 6:35).
2. Old Testament Foundation of Kindness
Kindness is woven into the entire story of Israel. God reveals Himself as kind, and He commands His people to reflect that kindness.
God’s Covenant Kindness
God’s Self-Revelation
When God passes before Moses, He proclaims:
“The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love (chesed) and faithfulness.” (Exodus 34:6)
God’s essential nature includes overflowing chesed—loyal, active kindness.
Covenant with Israel
God’s dealings with Israel are repeatedly described in terms of chesed:
“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love (chesed) endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1)
This refrain is repeated 26 times in that Psalm. His kindness is not temporary; it endures.
Kindness in the Law
The Law of Moses required Israel to show kindness, especially to the weak and vulnerable.
To the poor and stranger:
“You shall not strip your vineyard bare… you shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the LORD your God.” (Leviticus 19:10)
God’s kindness to Israel was to be mirrored in their kindness to others.
To enemies:
“If you meet your enemy’s ox or his donkey going astray, you shall bring it back to him.” (Exodus 23:4)
Even an enemy must experience practical kindness.
To servants and aliens:
Israel was repeatedly reminded:
“You shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt… therefore I command you to do this.” (Deuteronomy 24:18–22)
God’s kindness in delivering them from Egypt was the basis for their kindness to others.
Kindness in the Historical Books
Ruth and Boaz
The book of Ruth is a powerful picture of chesed. Ruth shows loyal kindness to Naomi (Ruth 1:16–17). Boaz shows generous kindness to Ruth, a foreign widow, providing protection and provision (Ruth 2:8–12). Naomi blesses Boaz, saying:
“May he be blessed by the LORD, whose kindness (chesed) has not forsaken the living or the dead!” (Ruth 2:20)
David and Mephibosheth
David seeks to show “the kindness of God” to Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:3). He restores his inheritance and gives him a permanent place at the king’s table. This is royal kindness to one who could not repay him—an image of God’s kindness to us.
Kindness in the Prophets and Wisdom Literature
Micah’s Summary of True Religion
“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 (chesed), and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8)
God doesn’t just want us to do kind acts; He wants us to love kindness.
Proverbs
Proverbs repeatedly commends kindness:
“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed.” (Proverbs 19:17)
God identifies Himself with the poor and promises to reward kindness shown to them.
In the Old Testament, then, kindness is covenantal, practical, and God-like. It is not optional; it is required of those who belong to Him.
3. The Fulfillment of Kindness in Christ
Jesus Christ is the perfect revelation of the Father’s kindness. In Him, the chesed of God becomes visible and tangible.
The Incarnation as Kindness
Paul writes:
“But when the goodness and loving kindness (chrēstotēs) of God our Savior appeared, he saved us…” (Titus 3:4–5)
God’s kindness appeared in the person of Jesus. The eternal Word became flesh (John 1:14) as the supreme act of divine kindness toward a lost world.
Jesus’ Ministry of Compassion and Power
Jesus’ kindness was not mere sentiment; it was expressed in power:
Healing the sick:
He was “moved with compassion” (Mark 1:41) and healed lepers, the blind, the lame, and all who came to Him (Matthew 4:23–24). Kindness healed bodies and restored dignity.
Feeding the hungry:
He said, “I have compassion on the crowd, because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat” (Mark 8:2), and He miraculously fed them. Kindness met practical needs supernaturally.
Welcoming sinners:
He ate with tax collectors and sinners (Luke 15:1–2), forgave the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1–11), and restored Peter after his denial (John 21:15–19). Kindness restored the fallen.
Blessing children:
When the disciples tried to send children away, Jesus rebuked them and welcomed the little ones, laying His hands on them and blessing them (Mark 10:13–16).
The Cross as the Ultimate Act of Kindness
The greatest demonstration of God’s kindness is the cross:
“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
We were enemies (Romans 5:10), yet God showed us kindness in Christ. This kindness is meant to lead us to repentance:
“God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance.” (Romans 2:4)
The cross reveals a kindness that bears our sin, shame, and curse to bring us into God’s family.
The Resurrection and Exalted Kindness
In Ephesians, Paul takes us further:
“…so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness (chrēstotēs) toward us in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:7)
God’s plan is to display His kindness to us forever. The resurrection and exaltation of Christ guarantee an eternal river of divine kindness flowing to those who are in Him.
4. The Power of Kindness for Today (By the Holy Spirit)
This is where continuationist theology is crucial: kindness is not just a moral ideal; it is a supernatural fruit and expression of the Holy Spirit in the believer.
Kindness as Fruit of the Spirit
Paul lists kindness (chrēstotēs) as a fruit of the Spirit:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Galatians 5:22–23)
This means:
Kindness is produced by the Spirit, not by willpower alone.
We cooperate, but the source is supernatural. As we walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16, 25), His nature manifests through us.
Kindness is part of the Spirit’s character.
The same Spirit who healed the sick through Jesus, who raised Him from the dead, now dwells in us (Romans 8:11). His kindness will express itself through our words, attitudes, and actions—often in ways that release His power.
Kindness as a Channel of God’s Power
In a Spirit-filled life, kindness is often the doorway through which God’s power flows.
Prophetic kindness:
A Spirit-inspired word of encouragement can break chains of despair (1 Corinthians 14:3). Prophecy is not just revelation; it is often kindness in speech—upbuilding, encouraging, and consoling.
Healing through compassion:
Jesus was moved with compassion and healed (Matthew 14:14). When the Holy Spirit fills us with Christ’s compassion, we will be moved to lay hands on the sick, to pray in faith, and to expect God to move. Many healings begin with a simple act of Spirit-led kindness—listening, caring, then praying.
Deliverance through gentle authority:
Paul instructs Timothy to correct opponents “with gentleness” (2 Timothy 2:25). Deliverance and correction are not harsh by nature; when done in the Spirit, they carry both authority and kindness, opening hearts to repentance and freedom.
Kindness as Spiritual Warfare
The enemy thrives on bitterness, hatred, and division. Spirit-empowered kindness is a weapon against him.
Overcoming evil with good:
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)
When we bless those who curse us, pray for our persecutors (Matthew 5:44), and respond with kindness, we break the cycle of retaliation and open the way for God’s justice and conviction.
Disarming spiritual strongholds:
Many people are bound by rejection, shame, and fear. A consistent flow of Spirit-led kindness can dismantle those strongholds. The Holy Spirit may lead you to a specific act of kindness that becomes a prophetic sign to someone: “God sees you. God loves you.”
The Authority of the Believer in Kindness
As Spirit-filled believers, we carry Christ’s authority (Luke 10:19; Matthew 28:18–20). That authority is not only for rebuking demons or healing the sick; it is also for representing God’s heart.
When you act in kindness under the Spirit’s leading:
You are ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20).
Your words can carry supernatural weight—breaking condemnation, releasing hope, and drawing people to Jesus.
Your acts of kindness can be signs and wonders in themselves, especially when done in obedience to a specific prompting of the Holy Spirit.
Expect the Holy Spirit to:
Highlight specific people to you.
Give you creative ideas for kindness.
Confirm His word with inner peace and sometimes outward signs.
Kindness, then, is not a “soft” gift. It is a sharp, Spirit-forged instrument in the hands of a yielded believer.
5. Practical Steps to Walk in Spirit-Empowered Kindness
Here are five concrete, faith-filled steps.
1. Receive God’s Kindness Deeply
You cannot consistently give what you have not received.
Meditate on Scriptures about God’s kindness (Romans 2:4; Ephesians 2:7; Titus 3:4–7).
In prayer, thank God specifically for His kindness in your life—salvation, forgiveness, provision, protection.
Ask the Holy Spirit to heal any areas where you see God as harsh or distant. Often, a distorted view of God blocks the flow of kindness through us.
Prayer:
“Father, I receive Your kindness toward me in Christ. Holy Spirit, reveal the love and kindness of God to my heart. Let every lie about God’s harshness be broken in Jesus’ name.”
2. Surrender Your Tongue and Attitude to the Holy Spirit
Kindness is often first seen in our words and tone.
Daily, present your mouth to God (Romans 6:13).
Before speaking, cultivate the habit of a quick inward prayer: “Holy Spirit, guide my words.”
Refuse to partner with sarcasm, gossip, or harsh criticism. These grieve the Spirit (Ephesians 4:29–30).
Practical exercise:
For one week, intentionally speak at least one specific, sincere encouragement to each person you interact with regularly (spouse, children, coworkers). Ask the Spirit to show you what to say.
3. Ask for Prophetic and Compassionate Insight
Kindness in the Spirit is often targeted.
Ask the Holy Spirit: “Show me who needs Your kindness today.”
Be attentive to inner nudges, sudden thoughts, or a burden for a particular person.
Combine kindness with spiritual gifts: a word of knowledge, a word of wisdom, or a prophetic encouragement (1 Corinthians 12:7–8; 14:1–3).
Example:
You sense someone at church is heavy-hearted. You approach them, gently ask how they’re doing, listen, and then offer to pray. As you pray, the Spirit gives you a specific scripture or word of encouragement that touches them deeply.
4. Practice Costly, Practical Kindness
Biblical kindness often costs something—time, convenience, money, reputation.
Set aside a portion of your budget for Spirit-led generosity.
Be kind to those who cannot repay you and those who may not “deserve” it (Luke 6:35).
Ask: “Holy Spirit, what act of kindness are You asking me to do this week that stretches my comfort zone?”
5. Respond to Opposition with Supernatural Kindness
This is where the power of God is most clearly seen.
When insulted, bless (1 Peter 3:9).
When wronged, forgive from the heart and, as led, do good to that person (Romans 12:20).
Declare by faith: “I will not be overcome by evil; I will overcome evil with good.”
This is not passivity. It is active spiritual warfare, trusting God to vindicate and to work in the other person’s heart.
6. Key Scriptures on Kindness (With Brief Commentary)
Romans 2:4
“Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?”
God’s kindness is not indulgence; it is a powerful force drawing us to change. Our kindness, empowered by His, can also lead others to repentance.
Galatians 5:22–23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…”
Kindness is not optional; it is evidence of a life yielded to the Spirit. If we lack kindness, the solution is not mere effort, but deeper surrender and abiding.
Ephesians 4:31–32
“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you… Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
The standard and source of our kindness is God’s kindness in Christ. Forgiveness and kindness are inseparable.
Titus 3:4–5
“But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own