### Showing Kindness to Others Without Expecting Anything in Return
The Bible teaches us that kindness should be shown to others without expecting anything in return. In Matthew 5:43-48, Jesus says, "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?" Jesus is emphasizing that we should show kindness to everyone, including those who may not be kind to us, without expecting anything in return.
In 1 Peter 3:8-9, the apostle Peter writes, "Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers and sisters, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but instead blessing; for you were called for this, that you may inherit a blessing." This verse encourages us to show kindness and compassion to others, even when they may not be kind to us. We are not to return evil for evil, but instead, we should bless those who may be unkind to us. This is a difficult principle to live by, but it is one that is essential to showing kindness to others without expecting anything in return.
The Bible also teaches us that kindness should be shown to others as a way of living out our faith in Jesus Christ. In Colossians 3:12-14, Paul writes, "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." This verse emphasizes the importance of showing kindness and compassion to others as a way of living out our faith in Jesus Christ. By doing so, we are demonstrating our love for God and for others, and we are showing that we are followers of Jesus Christ. By showing kindness to others without expecting anything in return, we are living out the principles of the Bible and demonstrating our love for God and for others.