Kindness
Summary
A quality of gracious benevolence attributed to both God and humans in Scripture, particularly emphasizing generous treatment of the undeserving and those in need.
☩Kindness in the Old Testament
The Hebrew word chesed, often translated "kindness," "mercy," or "lovingkindness," describes God's faithful covenant love toward Israel and is also used for human kindness between individuals. This quality encompasses favor, mercy, and benevolent action, particularly toward those in need or distress. Scripture presents numerous examples of kindness: Pharaoh's kindness to Jacob, Rahab's kindness to the spies, David's kindness to Mephibosheth for Jonathan's sake, and the kindness shown by various individuals during times of crisis. The Old Testament emphasizes that kindness shown to strangers and the vulnerable reflects the character of God Himself, who commands Israel to love the stranger because they too were strangers in Egypt.
☩God's Kindness
Scripture presents God as supremely kind, particularly in His dealings with sinful humanity. His kindness is designed to lead people to repentance, working alongside His forbearance and patience. The kindness of God our Savior appeared in the person of Jesus Christ, offering salvation not because of any righteous deeds we have done but according to His mercy. In Ephesians, Paul declares that God demonstrates the "immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus" through the ages to come. This divine kindness is extended even to "the ungrateful and wicked," serving as the model for human conduct.
☩Christian Kindness
In the New Testament, kindness (Greek chrestotes) appears as a fruit of the Holy Spirit and a virtue believers are commanded to cultivate. Paul lists it alongside love, patience, and gentleness as evidence of authentic Christian character, urging believers to "put on" kindness as part of their new identity in Christ. Christian kindness is particularly characterized by its extension to those who may not deserve it—a benevolence that overcomes obstacles and persists in the face of difficulty. Love itself is said to be "kind," and the believer is called to be kind and tenderhearted, forgiving one another as God in Christ forgave them. This kindness includes practical care: hospitality, visiting the sick, helping those in need, and bearing one another's burdens.
☩Examples of Kindness
Scripture records numerous examples of kindness shown in various circumstances. Pharaoh showed kindness to Jacob's family, providing them land in Egypt during the famine. The Kenites showed kindness to Israel during the Exodus, for which they were later spared by Saul. David showed exceptional kindness to Mephibosheth, Jonathan's crippled son, for the sake of his covenant with Jonathan. The centurion Julius showed kindness to Paul during his voyage to Rome, allowing him to visit friends and receive care. The people of Malta showed unusual kindness to the shipwrecked crew, building a fire and providing hospitality. These examples illustrate that kindness often involves concrete actions rather than mere sentiment.
Related Verses95 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.James Orr (ed.), "Kindness," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Kindness," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Kindness," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).
- 4.Don Fleming, "Kindness," in Bridgeway Bible Dictionary (Bridgeway Publications, 1990).
- 5.Charles Buck, "Kindness," in A Theological Dictionary (Charles Buck (London), 1802).