What did Jesus teach about kindness?
BREAKDOWN
Jesus Christ's teachings on kindness are deeply integrated into His broader message of divine love, mercy, and compassion, challenging the conventional social norms of His day. While secular views often define kindness as polite, friendly, or generous behavior, Jesus elevates it to an unconditional disposition rooted in God's character, extending even to one's enemies and those considered outsiders. His teachings frequently highlight `agape` love, which is self-sacrificial and seeks the well-being of others without expectation of return. This is epitomized in the `Golden Rule`, as recorded in Matthew 7:12, "Therefore whatever you desire for men to do to you, you shall also do to them; for this is the law and the prophets." This principle is not merely about reciprocity but about proactively extending benevolence, mirroring God’s own kindness towards humanity. Key parables vividly illustrate this concept. The Parable of the `Good Samaritan` (Luke 10:25-37) directly answers the question, "Who is my neighbor?" by portraying an outcast Samaritan as the one who demonstrates true kindness and mercy to a wounded stranger, while religious leaders pass by. This story redefines neighborliness beyond ethnic or religious boundaries, emphasizing practical, compassionate action over ritualistic adherence. Similarly, in Matthew 25:31-46, the parable of the Sheep and the Goats links eternal salvation to acts of kindness and service performed for "the least of these," such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and visiting the sick. Jesus’ life itself was a testament to radical kindness, as He welcomed the marginalized, healed the sick, and forgave sinners, demonstrating God’s `chrēstotēs` (goodness or kindness) and `eleos` (mercy) in tangible ways. He commanded His followers in Luke 6:35-36, "But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." This divine standard calls believers to reflect God’s character in their interactions with all people.
KEY TERMS
agape
A Greek term for self-sacrificial, unconditional love, distinct from other forms of love.
Golden Rule
The ethical principle to treat others as one would wish to be treated, found in Matthew 7:12.
Good Samaritan
A parable told by Jesus in Luke 10:25-37, illustrating neighborly love and compassion without prejudice.
chrēstotēs
A Greek word meaning goodness or kindness, often referring to a benevolent disposition.
eleos
A Greek word meaning mercy or compassion, signifying active pity shown to those in need.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
Matthew 7:12
Therefore whatever you desire for men to do to you, you shall also do to them; for this is the law and the prophets.
Luke 10:25-37
Behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? How do you read it?” He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” He said to him, “You have answered correctly. Do this, and you will live.” But he, desiring to justify himself, asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who both stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. By chance a certain priest was going down that way. When he saw him, he passed by on the other side. In the same way a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he traveled, came where he was. When he saw him, he was moved with compassion, came to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. He set him on his own animal, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him, and whatever else you spend, I will repay you when I return.’ Which of these three do you think seemed to be a neighbor to him who fell among the robbers?” He said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
Matthew 25:31-46
“But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. Before him all the nations will be gathered, and he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then the King will tell those on his right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry, and you gave me food to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me drink; I was a stranger, and you took me in; naked, and you clothed me; I was sick, and you visited me; I was in prison, and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry, and feed you; or thirsty, and give you a drink? When did we see you a stranger, and take you in; or naked, and clothe you? When did we see you sick, or in prison, and come to you?’ The King will answer them, ‘Most certainly I tell you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ Then he will say also to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry, and you didn’t give me food to eat; I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me drink; I was a stranger, and you didn’t take me in; naked, and you didn’t clothe me; sick, and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’ Then they will also answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and didn’t help you?’ Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Most certainly I tell you, inasmuch as you didn’t do it to one of the least of these, you didn’t do it to me.’ These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
Luke 6:35-36
But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
Ephesians 4:32
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.
ORIGINAL LANGUAGE ANALYSIS
ἀγάπη
agape
DefinitionSelf-sacrificial, unconditional love; divine love.
χρηστότης
chrēstotēs
DefinitionGoodness, kindness, uprightness, benevolence.
ἔλεος
eleos
DefinitionMercy, compassion, pity.
חֶסֶד
chesed
DefinitionLoving-kindness, steadfast love, mercy, loyalty.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
During the Greco-Roman period and Second Temple Judaism, the concept of kindness was understood, but often within specific social or ethnic boundaries. In the Roman world, 'humanitas' (humanity) often referred to cultivated behavior, civility, and generosity, but it was typically extended to fellow citizens or those within one's social standing. Among Jews, the Hebrew concept of 'chesed' (חֶסֶד), often translated as 'loving-kindness' or 'steadfast love,' was central. This concept implied loyalty, mercy, and compassion within the covenant community and towards the vulnerable. However, tensions often existed between different Jewish sects and, significantly, between Jews and Samaritans, due to historical and religious schisms dating back centuries. Jesus' teachings, particularly the Parable of the Good Samaritan, were revolutionary in this context, deliberately challenging the prevailing ethno-religious prejudices and expanding the definition of 'neighbor' to encompass all humanity, irrespective of their social, religious, or ethnic identity. This radical inclusion was a cornerstone of the emerging Christian community, distinguishing it from contemporary societal norms.
THEOLOGICAL INSIGHT
Jesus' teachings on kindness are not merely moral exhortations but are deeply theological, revealing the very nature of God. God Himself is described as kind and merciful (Luke 6:35, Ephesians 2:7). Therefore, human kindness, especially towards the undeserving and the outcast, becomes a reflection of the divine image within us and an embodiment of the Kingdom of God. It is a tangible expression of `agape` love, which flows from the indwelling Holy Spirit as a fruit (Galatians 5:22). This radical, self-giving kindness is essential for Christian discipleship, signifying a transformed heart that mirrors the sacrificial love of Christ (Philippians 2:5-8). It also serves as a witness to the world, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel and calling others to repentance and faith.
COMMENTARY SYNTHESIS
Rashi (Jewish)
Commentary on Exodus 23:5, regarding helping an enemy's burdened animal, Rashi emphasizes the principle of 'removing bitterness' and promoting peace, suggesting a practical kindness that transcends animosity, even if not explicitly calling it 'love your enemy' in the New Testament sense, it points to a foundational Jewish value of active benevolence.
Maimonides (Rambam) (Jewish)
In his Mishneh Torah, particularly the laws concerning charity (Tzedakah) and lending (Halva'ah), Maimonides meticulously outlines the highest forms of kindness and charity involve helping someone become self-sufficient, preserving their dignity. This reflects a deep commitment to practical, effective benevolence that empowers rather than merely provides temporary relief.
John Calvin (Christian)
On the Parable of the Good Samaritan, Calvin highlights that Christ's intention was to demonstrate that the command to love one's neighbor extends universally to all mankind, without distinction of nation or condition, and that true love is proven by deeds of mercy, not by blood relations or religious affinity.
Matthew Henry (Christian)
Commenting on Matthew 7:12 (the Golden Rule), Henry states that this rule is the sum of the law and the prophets concerning our duty to our neighbor, a "short sermon, but of a large extent," teaching us to be active in doing good and careful to do no evil, guided by what we would reasonably expect from others.
Augustine of Hippo (Christian)
In his 'Sermon on the Mount,' Augustine connects the beatitude 'Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy' (Matthew 5:7) directly to practical kindness. He argues that mercy is not just an emotion but an active disposition to relieve the suffering of others, and that this mercy shown to others is the very path by which one obtains mercy from God.