In the Bible, acts of kindness aren’t just stories; they’re examples to live by. The Bible is filled with instances of people showing compassion, generosity, and love towards others. These acts of kindness can serve as a guide for us, reminding us of the importance of kindness in our lives.
From Abraham’s hospitality to Stephen’s forgiveness, these acts of kindness resonate through the ages, teaching us valuable lessons about empathy and compassion. In this article, we’ll explore 25 heartwarming examples of acts of kindness found within the pages of the Bible.
Since we’re on the topic, you may also want to review Bible verses to read when someone has wronged you. Because that is when you need forgiveness and kindness – both attributes found in stories in the Bible.
Examples of Acts of Kindness in the Bible
#1. Abraham’s Hospitality (Genesis 18)
In Genesis 18, Abraham demonstrates exceptional hospitality towards three strangers who visit him. When he sees them, he rushes to offer them food and drink, saying, “Please let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree.” (Genesis 18:4, ESV) Abraham’s kindness extends beyond mere hospitality; he prepares a meal for them, showing genuine care and generosity.
#2. Ruth’s Loyalty (Book of Ruth)
The Book of Ruth tells the story of Ruth, a Moabite widow who chooses to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi, despite the hardships they face. Ruth’s loyalty is exemplified in her famous pledge to Naomi: “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” (Ruth 1:16, NIV) Ruth’s selfless devotion to Naomi demonstrates the power of loyalty and compassion.
#3. David and Mephibosheth (2 Samuel)
In 2 Samuel, King David shows kindness to Mephibosheth, the son of his dear friend Jonathan. Despite Mephibosheth’s physical disabilities, David welcomes him into his palace and ensures that he is provided for. David declares, “I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.” (2 Samuel 9:7, NIV) David’s act of kindness reflects his loyalty to his friend and his commitment to caring for those in need.
#4. The Good Samaritan (Luke 10)
In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus teaches about compassion and kindness. A Samaritan man, traditionally despised by Jews, comes to the aid of a wounded traveler, showing mercy and generosity. Jesus concludes the parable by saying, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:37, NIV) The Good Samaritan’s actions remind us to help those in need regardless of social or cultural differences.
#5. Jesus Feeding the Five Thousand (Matthew 14, Mark 6, Luke 9, John 6)
In multiple accounts in the Gospels, Jesus feeds a large crowd of five thousand people with just five loaves of bread and two fish. Moved by compassion for the hungry crowd, Jesus performs this miraculous act of provision. Matthew 14:14 (NIV) states, “When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.” This miracle demonstrates Jesus’ limitless compassion and care for those in need.
#6. Jesus Healing the Sick (Various instances in the Gospels)
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus demonstrates compassion by healing the sick. In Matthew 14:14 (NIV), it is written, “When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.” Jesus’ healing ministry is a powerful example of his kindness and concern for those who are suffering. Whether it’s healing the blind (Matthew 20:34), curing leprosy (Mark 1:40-42), or raising the dead (John 11:43-44), Jesus consistently shows compassion towards the sick and afflicted.
#7. The Woman at the Well (John 4)
In John 4, Jesus encounters a Samaritan woman at a well. Despite cultural barriers, Jesus engages her in conversation and offers her living water, saying, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst.” (John 4:13-14, NIV) Jesus’ kindness towards the woman at the well transcends social norms and demonstrates his desire to offer spiritual refreshment to all who seek it.
#8. Zacchaeus the Tax Collector (Luke 19)
In Luke 19, Jesus shows kindness to Zacchaeus, a despised tax collector. Despite the crowd’s disapproval, Jesus invites himself to Zacchaeus’ house, declaring, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham.” (Luke 19:9, NIV) Jesus’ acceptance of Zacchaeus illustrates his willingness to show kindness and grace to those who are marginalized or considered unworthy.
#9. Jesus Forgiving the Adulterous Woman (John 8)
In John 8, Jesus demonstrates kindness and forgiveness towards an adulterous woman who is brought before him by the scribes and Pharisees. Instead of condemning her, Jesus says, “Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:11, NIV) Jesus’ act of mercy towards the woman reflects his compassion for those who have fallen short and his desire to offer forgiveness and redemption.
#10. The Widow’s Offering (Mark 12, Luke 21)
In Mark 12 and Luke 21, Jesus observes a poor widow who gives two small coins as an offering at the temple. Despite her poverty, Jesus commends her, saying, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:43-44, NIV) Jesus’ recognition of the widow’s sacrificial giving highlights his appreciation for acts of kindness and generosity, regardless of size.
#11. Paul’s Letter to Philemon (Book of Philemon)
In the Book of Philemon, Paul writes a letter to Philemon, urging him to forgive his runaway slave, Onesimus, and to receive him back with kindness. Paul writes, “So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me.” (Philemon 1:17, NIV) Paul’s appeal to Philemon emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation in demonstrating kindness towards others.
#12. Dorcas’ Acts of Charity (Acts 9)
In Acts 9, we learn about Dorcas, a woman known for her acts of kindness and charity towards the poor and needy. When Dorcas dies, the widows she had helped mourn her deeply. However, Peter arrives and prays for her, and she is raised from the dead. Acts 9:36 (NIV) describes her as “always doing good and helping the poor.” Dorcas’ life exemplifies the impact of small acts of kindness and generosity on the lives of others.
#13. The Macedonian Church’s Generosity (2 Corinthians 8)
In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul commends the Macedonian churches for their extraordinary generosity in giving to those in need. Despite their own poverty and affliction, the Macedonian believers give willingly and sacrificially. Paul writes, “For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.” (2 Corinthians 8:3, NIV) The generosity of the Macedonian churches serves as a powerful example of selfless giving and kindness.
#14. Tabitha’s Resurrection (Acts 9)
In Acts 9, we encounter another act of kindness through the resurrection of Tabitha, also known as Dorcas. Tabitha was a woman “always doing good and helping the poor.” (Acts 9:36, NIV) When she falls ill and dies, Peter is summoned, and he prays for her, bringing her back to life. Tabitha’s resurrection not only demonstrates the power of God but also highlights the impact of her kindness and generosity on the community.
#15. The Goodness of Joseph (Genesis 45, 50)
In Genesis 45 and 50, we witness Joseph’s remarkable kindness towards his brothers who had betrayed him. Despite their past mistreatment of him, Joseph forgives them and provides for them during a severe famine. Joseph reassures his brothers, saying, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:20, NIV) Joseph’s forgiveness and kindness exemplify the transformative power of grace and compassion.
#16. The Centurion’s Servant (Matthew 8, Luke 7)
In both Matthew 8 and Luke 7, we encounter the story of the centurion who displays remarkable faith and kindness towards his servant. The centurion, recognizing Jesus’ authority, asks him to heal his paralyzed servant. Jesus marvels at the centurion’s faith, declaring, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.” (Matthew 8:10, NIV) The centurion’s concern for his servant demonstrates his compassion and empathy towards those under his care.
#17. Elisha and the Shunammite Woman (2 Kings 4)
In 2 Kings 4, we learn about the Shunammite woman who shows kindness and hospitality towards the prophet Elisha. Recognizing Elisha as a holy man of God, she offers him a place to stay whenever he passes through her town. Elisha, grateful for her kindness, blesses her with a son when she and her husband had been barren. This act of generosity towards Elisha results in a miraculous blessing for the Shunammite woman and her family.
#18. Jesus Washing the Disciples’ Feet (John 13)
In John 13, Jesus humbly demonstrates kindness and servanthood by washing his disciples’ feet during the Last Supper. Despite being their Lord and Teacher, Jesus takes on the role of a servant, saying, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (John 13:14-15, NIV) Jesus’ act of washing his disciples’ feet exemplifies humility and selfless love.
#19. The Healing of the Paralyzed Man (Mark 2, Matthew 9, Luke 5)
In Mark 2, Matthew 9, and Luke 5, we encounter the story of Jesus healing a paralyzed man lowered through the roof by his friends. Moved by their faith and determination, Jesus says to the paralyzed man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” (Matthew 9:2, NIV) Jesus’ act of healing demonstrates his compassion towards the man and his willingness to intervene in the lives of those in need.
#20. The Samaritan Leper (Luke 17)
In Luke 17, Jesus heals ten lepers, but only one, a Samaritan, returns to thank him. Jesus commends the Samaritan, saying, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” (Luke 17:19, NIV) The Samaritan leper’s act of gratitude and thanksgiving highlights the importance of recognizing and acknowledging the kindness and blessings we receive from others, especially from God.
#21. Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17)
In 1 Kings 17, Elijah encounters a widow of Zarephath who is preparing to eat her last meal before she and her son starve to death. Despite her dire circumstances, the widow shows kindness to Elijah, offering him food and shelter. In return, Elijah assures her that her jar of flour and jug of oil will not run dry until the drought ends.
Elijah says to her, “For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.'” (1 Kings 17:14, NIV) The widow’s act of kindness towards Elijah results in God’s provision and blessing for her and her household.
#22. The Kindness of Job’s Friends (Book of Job)
In the Book of Job, we encounter Job’s friends who come to comfort him during his time of great suffering. Despite their initial good intentions, Job’s friends ultimately fail to provide the comfort and understanding he needs.
However, their willingness to sit with him in his grief and offer their presence demonstrates a form of kindness and solidarity in the face of adversity. Job 2:11 (NIV) describes their initial reaction: “When Job’s three friends, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite, heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to go and sympathize with him and comfort him.”
#23. Esther’s Courageous Kindness (Book of Esther)
In the Book of Esther, Esther demonstrates courageous kindness by risking her own life to save her people, the Jews, from destruction. When Esther learns of the plot devised by Haman to annihilate the Jews, she approaches King Xerxes, even though it is against the law to appear before him without being summoned. Esther declares, “If I perish, I perish.” (Esther 4:16, NIV) Esther’s bravery and selflessness in interceding for her people exemplify the power of kindness in standing up for justice and protecting the vulnerable.
#24. The Healing of the Blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10, Matthew 20)
In both Mark 10 and Matthew 20, Jesus encounters Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, who cries out to him for mercy. Despite the crowd’s attempts to silence him, Jesus stops and asks Bartimaeus what he wants. When Bartimaeus expresses his desire to see, Jesus says to him, “Go, your faith has healed you.” (Mark 10:52, NIV) Jesus’ compassion towards Bartimaeus demonstrates his willingness to respond to the cries of those in need and to offer healing and restoration.
#25. Stephen’s Forgiveness (Acts 7)
In Acts 7, as Stephen is being stoned to death for his faith, he prays for forgiveness for his persecutors, echoing Jesus’ own words on the cross. Stephen says, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” (Acts 7:60, NIV) Stephen’s act of forgiveness towards those who are killing him reflects the radical kindness and love taught by Jesus and serves as a powerful example of grace even in the face of persecution and suffering.
Closing Thoughts
The examples of acts of kindness found in the Bible serve as timeless reminders of the importance of compassion, empathy, and generosity. From Abraham’s hospitality to Stephen’s forgiveness, these stories inspire us to emulate the kindness demonstrated by biblical figures in our own lives.
They teach us that even in the face of adversity, kindness has the power to transform lives and bring about healing and reconciliation. As we reflect on these examples, may we be encouraged to cultivate a spirit of kindness towards others, knowing that small acts of love can make a significant difference in the world.