Bible Verses

The Best 50+ Bible Verses About How To Treat Unbelievers

Updated:
February 25, 2025
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Author:
Joseph Cox

How should we treat those who don't share our faith? This article offers 50 Bible verses to guide us.

These verses provide wisdom and insight on interacting with unbelievers. They remind us of the importance of kindness, respect, and understanding in our daily lives.

50 Bible Verses About How To Treat Unbelievers

10 Bible Verses on How To Treat Unbelievers with Love

John 13:34-35
  • "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." — John 13:34-35
  • "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God." — 1 John 4:7
  • "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you." — Matthew 5:44
  • "Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law." — Romans 13:10
  • "And above all things have fervent love for one another, for 'love will cover a multitude of sins.'" — 1 Peter 4:8
  • "And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise." — Luke 6:31
  • "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" — Galatians 5:14
  • "With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love." — Ephesians 4:2
  • "But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection." — Colossians 3:14
  • "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." — 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

10 Bible Verses on How To Treat Unbelievers with Kindness

Ephesians 4:32
  • "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." — Ephesians 4:32
  • "The merciful man does good for his own soul, but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh." — Proverbs 11:17
  • "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering." — Colossians 3:12
  • "And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth." — 2 Timothy 2:24-25
  • "Therefore 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.'" — Romans 12:20
  • "But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil." — Luke 6:35
  • "He who follows righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness, and honor." — Proverbs 21:21
  • "See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all." — 1 Thessalonians 5:15
  • "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." — Matthew 5:7
  • "So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath." — James 1:19

10 Bible Verses on How To Treat Unbelievers with Respect

1 Peter 2:17
  • "Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king." — 1 Peter 2:17
  • "Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another." — Romans 12:10
  • "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself." — Philippians 2:3
  • "Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, with all purity." — 1 Timothy 5:1-2
  • "Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God." — 1 Corinthians 10:32
  • "Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time." — Colossians 4:5
  • "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear." — 1 Peter 3:15
  • "If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; For so you will heap coals of fire on his head, And the Lord will reward you." — Proverbs 25:21-22
  • "Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets." — Matthew 7:12
  • "And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him." — Ephesians 6:9

10 Bible Verses on How To Treat Unbelievers in Conversation

Colossians 4:6
  • "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one." — Colossians 4:6
  • "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." — Proverbs 15:1
  • "So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God." — James 1:19-20
  • "A time to tear, and a time to sew; A time to keep silence, and a time to speak." — Ecclesiastes 3:7
  • "But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient." — 2 Timothy 2:23-24
  • "He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him." — Proverbs 18:13
  • "Having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed." — 1 Peter 3:16
  • "To speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men." — Titus 3:2
  • "Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another." — Romans 14:19
  • "But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ." — Ephesians 4:15

10 Bible Verses on How To Treat Unbelievers in Conflict

Matthew 18:15
  • "Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother." — Matthew 18:15
  • "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted." — Galatians 6:1
  • "If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men." — Romans 12:18
  • "A wrathful man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger allays contention." — Proverbs 15:18
  • "Not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing." — 1 Peter 3:9
  • "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." — Matthew 5:9
  • "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy." — James 3:17
  • "Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation." — 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
  • "Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him." — Luke 17:3
  • "The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, and his glory is to overlook a transgression." — Proverbs 19:11

What Does the Bible Say About How To Treat Unbelievers

The Bible offers a wealth of guidance on how to treat those who don't share our faith. These teachings are not just rules but pathways to living a life filled with love, kindness, respect, and understanding. By following these principles, we can create a more compassionate and harmonious world.

One of the key themes is love. Verses like John 13:34-35 and 1 John 4:7 remind us to love one another as God loves us. This love isn't limited to those who share our beliefs but extends to everyone, including our enemies. Loving others can be challenging, but it's a powerful way to show God's presence in our lives.

Kindness is another important theme. Ephesians 4:32 and Proverbs 11:17 encourage us to be kind and tenderhearted. Acts of kindness can bridge gaps and build connections, even with those who may not understand or accept our faith. Simple gestures of kindness can make a big difference in someone's life.

Respect is crucial in our interactions. 1 Peter 2:17 and Romans 12:10 teach us to honor all people and give preference to others. Respecting others' beliefs and opinions, even when they differ from our own, fosters mutual understanding and peace.

Finally, our conversations should be filled with grace and wisdom. Colossians 4:6 and Proverbs 15:1 highlight the importance of speaking gently and thoughtfully. By choosing our words carefully, we can avoid unnecessary conflicts and promote harmony.

How to Apply These Bible Verses About How To Treat Unbelievers

Applying the Bible's teachings on how to treat unbelievers can make a big difference in our daily lives. These principles guide us to live with love, kindness, respect, and wisdom, creating a more compassionate world.

  • Start your day with a prayer asking for guidance to show love and kindness to everyone you meet.
  • Practice active listening. When someone speaks, give them your full attention and respond thoughtfully.
  • Show kindness through small acts, like holding the door open or offering a smile. These gestures can brighten someone's day.
  • Respect others' opinions, even if they differ from yours. Engage in conversations with an open mind and heart.
  • Join community service projects. Helping others can build bridges and foster understanding.
  • Reflect on your interactions at the end of the day. Consider how you can improve and ask for God's help in doing so.

Remember, God is always with you, guiding your actions and words. Your efforts to live out these teachings can bring positive change to your life and those around you.

For more prayers and Bible verses, visit PrayersFor or try our Bible Verse Generator to deepen your understanding and faith.

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