{
  "id": "dict_003118",
  "term": "Kindness",
  "slug": "kindness",
  "letter": "K",
  "entry_type": "theological_term",
  "entry_family": "theological_term",
  "depth_profile": "standard",
  "short_definition": "Kindness is a gracious, benevolent way of treating others that reflects God’s own character. In Scripture it is commended as a fruit of the Spirit and a practical expression of love.",
  "simple_one_line": "",
  "tooltip_text": "",
  "aliases": [],
  "scripture_references": [],
  "original_language_terms": [],
  "related_entries": [],
  "see_also": [],
  "lede_intro": "",
  "at_a_glance_definition": "",
  "at_a_glance_key_points": [],
  "description_academic_short": "Kindness in the Bible is active goodness shown in speech, attitude, and action toward others. God Himself shows kindness to His people, and believers are called to imitate that kindness in forgiveness, patience, and mercy. It is not mere politeness, but love expressed in concrete, helpful ways.",
  "description_academic_full": "Kindness is the gracious and compassionate disposition that seeks the good of others in word and deed. Scripture presents kindness as part of God’s own character, seen in His patient and generous dealings with sinners and with His people. Believers are therefore commanded to put on kindness and to show it in everyday relationships, especially through mercy, forgiveness, and care for others. The New Testament also lists kindness among the fruit of the Spirit, showing that it is not merely a natural temperament but a Christlike quality produced in those who walk with God. While kindness does not cancel truth or holiness, biblical kindness expresses love in ways that are gentle, helpful, and morally good.",
  "background_biblical_context": "",
  "background_historical_context": "",
  "background_jewish_ancient_context": "",
  "key_texts_primary": [],
  "key_texts_secondary": [],
  "original_language_note": "",
  "theological_significance": "",
  "philosophical_explanation": "",
  "interpretive_cautions": "",
  "major_views_note": "",
  "doctrinal_boundaries": "",
  "practical_significance": "",
  "meta_description": "Kindness is a gracious, benevolent way of treating others that reflects God’s own character. In Scripture it is commended as a fruit of the Spirit and a practical expression of love.",
  "public_url": "/companion-bible-dictionary/kindness/",
  "json_url": "/companion-bible-dictionary/data/dictionary/kindness.json",
  "final_disposition": "PUBLISH_CANONICAL"
}