But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. – Matthew 5:44-45
bible verses about being nice to those who are mean
Showing Love to Our Enemies
When we think of the teaching of Jesus, loving our enemies is a fundamental aspect of our faith. We often encounter people who may treat us poorly, and our natural response might be to retaliate. However, the Bible encourages us to respond with love and kindness instead. This is not just about being nice; it is about reflecting the nature of Christ. We are called to go beyond mere politeness and actively seek to show love to those who may not deserve it, mirroring the grace that God shows us every day in our lives. It reminds us that even when people are mean, we can choose to be vessels of kindness, ultimately growing our own hearts in love.
Romans 12:20
To the contrary, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head. – Romans 12:20
Luke 6:27
“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” – Luke 6:27
Proverbs 25:21
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
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 5:39
But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. – Matthew 5:39
Responding with Grace
Responding with grace is not always easy, especially when faced with unkind behavior. We have a choice about how we react. Choosing grace means we extend the same kindness to others that God extends to us, even when we feel hurt or wronged. It’s important for us to remember that our responses can not only reflect our character but also impact those around us, perhaps even softening hearts. Grace is an active decision that can help us break the cycle of negativity and create a more positive environment for everyone. With Holy Spirit leading us, we have the potential to lift others up instead of tearing them down.
Ephesians 4:32
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. – Ephesians 4:32
Colossians 3:12
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. – Colossians 3:12
James 1:19
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger. – James 1:19
Galatians 6:1
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. – Galatians 6:1
Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. – Proverbs 15:1
Practicing Forgiveness
Forgiveness is a vital part of being nice to those who are mean. When someone wrongs us, holding onto anger can hurt us more than the person we are upset with. Through forgiveness, we find healing for our souls. It doesn’t always mean we forget, but it does require us to let go of the pain and choose compassion instead. When we practice forgiveness, we free ourselves from the burdens of bitterness. It strengthens our faith and brings us closer to living the life God intended for us.
Ephesians 4:31-32
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. – Ephesians 4:31-32
Matthew 6:14-15
For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. – Matthew 6:14-15
Luke 17:3-4
Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him; and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him. – Luke 17:3-4
Mark 11:25
And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. – Mark 11:25
Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. – Colossians 3:13
Demonstrating Humility
Being humble is key in our response to those who mistreat us. Rather than retaliating, we can choose to lower ourselves, leading to peace and understanding. Humility allows us to view others through God’s eyes, recognizing their potential for change and redemption. It shifts our focus from ourselves and our pain and puts it on love and grace. When we humble ourselves, we break down barriers that can come between us and those who are mean to us, allowing the Holy Spirit to work through our attitudes and actions.
Philippians 2:3
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. – Philippians 2:3
James 4:10
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. – James 4:10
1 Peter 5:5
Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. – 1 Peter 5:5
Proverbs 18:12
Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor. – Proverbs 18:12
Proverbs 22:4
The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life. – Proverbs 22:4
Seeking Peace
Christ calls us to be peacekeepers. Our world can be filled with conflict, and that can lead to feelings of bitterness and resentment. But we can choose a different path. By actively seeking peace, we create an environment where kindness can flourish. It doesn’t mean ignoring bad behavior, but rather addressing it in a way that promotes understanding rather than division. With grace and love, we can work towards healing relationships and show those who are mean the beauty of a peaceful heart.
Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. – Matthew 5:9
Romans 14:19
So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. – Romans 14:19
James 3:18
And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. – James 3:18
Colossians 3:15
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. – Colossians 3:15
Proverbs 12:20
Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy. – Proverbs 12:20
Reflections on Kindness
Ultimately, our responses to those who are mean should reflect the kindness of Christ. Our actions, words, and intentions can have a significant impact. Kindness does not just benefit the ones we direct it toward; it enriches our hearts and brings us closer to God. As we practice being nice to those who are unkind, we embody the message of Christ in love and compassion. Let us be examples of His love in a world that so often lacks it.
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 mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit. – Titus 3:4-5
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. – Galatians 5:22-23
Ephesians 2:7
So that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. – Ephesians 2:7
2 Corinthians 6:6
By purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love. – 2 Corinthians 6:6
Proverbs 11:17
A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself. – Proverbs 11:17
Final Thoughts
Being nice to those who are mean is not easy, but it is so important in our walk with Christ. We have seen how showing love to our enemies, responding with grace, practicing forgiveness, demonstrating humility, seeking peace, and reflecting on kindness can transform our hearts and relationships. The Bible encourages us to actively choose kindness, even when faced with hostility. As we strive to live out these principles, we embody the love of Christ and positively impact the world around us.
Let us encourage one another to embrace these teachings and put them into practice daily. When we show kindness to those who are hard to love, we are shining our light brightly in the world. If you are interested in exploring more about how to deal with unkindness, check out bible verses about mean people or bible verses about kindness.
May we continually seek to be more like Christ in all our interactions, always choosing kindness over meanness.