“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” – Matthew 5:44
Bible Verses About Being Nice To Those Who Are Mean
Luke 6:31 – We should treat others the way we would want to be treated, regardless of their behavior.
“And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” – Luke 6:31
Romans 12:20 – Responding with kindness can turn an enemy into a friend.
“To the contrary, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.” – Romans 12:20
Proverbs 25:21 – Showing kindness can help mend broken relationships.
“If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.” – Proverbs 25:21
1 Peter 3:9 – We are called to bless others, even those who do not treat us well.
“Do not repay evil for evil, or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless; for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.” – 1 Peter 3:9
Matthew 5:38-39 – Jesus teaches us to turn the other cheek rather than retaliate.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil.” – Matthew 5:38-39
Galatians 6:10 – We should strive to do good to everyone, especially to those in need.
“So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” – Galatians 6:10
Lamentations 3:25-26 – The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, expressing kindness in trials.
“The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” – Lamentations 3:25-26
Colossians 3:12-13 – We are encouraged to put on kindness and forgive just as Christ forgave us.
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” – Colossians 3:12-13
Proverbs 15:1 – Soft answers can diffuse anger and lead to better communication.
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
Matthew 5:46-47 – Loving those who love us isn’t enough; we should extend our kindness to everyone.
“For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?” – Matthew 5:46-47
James 1:19 – Listening before responding can foster understanding and kindness.
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” – James 1:19
Matthew 7:12 – The Golden Rule emphasizes treating others well, regardless of how they treat us.
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them.” – Matthew 7:12
1 Thessalonians 5:15 – We are urged to strive for good and to be kind to all.
“See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:15
Hebrews 13:1-2 – Kindness can come through hospitality and love for strangers.
“Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” – Hebrews 13:1-2
Luke 23:34 – Even in the face of cruelty, Jesus asked for forgiveness for his persecutors.
“And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.'” – Luke 23:34
Matthew 25:40 – What we do for the least among us, we do for God.
“And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'” – Matthew 25:40
Isaiah 1:17 – We are called to seek justice and correct oppression.
“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” – Isaiah 1:17
John 15:12-13 – True love involves laying down our lives for others.
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” – John 15:12-13
Philippians 2:3-4 – Valuing others above ourselves can embody kindness.
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3-4
Proverbs 10:12 – Love can counteract feelings of animosity.
“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.” – Proverbs 10:12
Luke 6:36 – Being merciful reflects God’s character towards us.
“Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.” – Luke 6:36
2 Timothy 2:24 – The servant of the Lord must be kind, even in difficult situations.
“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil.” – 2 Timothy 2:24
Matthew 18:21-22 – Forgiveness is a vital aspect of being nice, regardless of how wronged we feel.
“Then Peter came up and said to him, ‘Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.'” – Matthew 18:21-22
Proverbs 12:16 – Wise people manage their responses to others with understanding.
“The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores.” – Proverbs 12:16
Mark 11:25 – Our prayers can be hindered by unforgiveness, hence kindness is essential.
“And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone.” – Mark 11:25
Ephesians 4:32 – Kindness and forgiveness should be our hallmark.
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
1 John 4:20 – Our love for God is tied to how we treat others.
“If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar.” – 1 John 4:20
Philippians 4:5 – Our gentleness should be evident to everyone.
“Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand.” – Philippians 4:5
Final Thoughts
We are called to treat others with kindness, even when they don’t deserve it. The Bible encourages us to respond to meanness with compassion and forgiveness. By showing love and being nice, we can reflect Christ’s love in our interactions. It’s not always easy, but these actions can change hearts and mend relationships.
When someone is unkind, remember that we have the ability to choose our response. By choosing kindness, we participate in God’s work in the world, leading to peace and understanding.
Let’s take these teachings to heart and make a conscious effort to practice kindness, as it can have a lasting impact on both ourselves and those around us.
Feel inspired? Check out more topics like Bible Verses About Jesus’ Sacrifice, and discover how we can live a life rooted in love and kindness.