Empirical studies and Biblical accounts have proven this to work

In Our Daily Bread devotional, one author wrote, “The human body produces chemicals that improve our mood when we’re kind to others.”

I believe this to be true but wondered if there were actual studies that were done to prove this. In my research, I found five specific scientific studies to verify this claim.

The first was done in 1988 and was called Endorphins and the “Helper’s High”. With 3,000 volunteers, the study concluded acts of kindness released endorphins, creating a “helper’s high” similar to a runner’s high. Endorphins are natural “feel-good” chemicals in our brains. They help reduce pain and give us a boost of happiness.

The next study was called Oxytocin and Kindness. It was conducted in 2007 with 68 participants in a trust game. It proved kind acts increased oxytocin levels, which led to greater feelings of happiness and connection. Oxytocin helps us feel close to others and builds trust.

In 2014, the University of Zurich published results of its study called Dopamine Release and Altruism. They scanned the brains of 50 participants in a financial giving task, showing that donating money activated the brain’s reward center, releasing dopamine. Dopamine is the brain’s “reward chemical,” giving you a burst of joy.

The University of Sussex conducted a study called Kindness and Serotonin Levels in 2016. Over 1,000 people participated in various kindness activities increasing their serotonin levels, improving mood, and reducing stress. Serotonin is a chemical that helps keep our mood balanced. It makes us feel calm, content, and less stressed. It is boosted when we do good things for others.

Lastly, in 2019, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)had 76 people engaging in daily kindness activities in a study called Kindness and Stress Reduction. Participants had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol and reported feeling happier.

The positive effects of kindness are not missed on God. He commanded us to be kind to others. It’s a consistent command throughout the Bible, with both immediate and eternal consequences.

Thus says the LORD of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another, do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart. (Zechariah 7:9–10, ESV)

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32, NIV)

Kindness promotes a peaceful, loving, and united community. It leads to personal blessings like joy and well-being.

Being kind to others is a way to reflect Christ’s love and honour God. It is a core part of Christian living.

We can read examples of God’s people showing kindness to each other throughout scripture.

For example, Boaz showed kindness by letting Ruth glean in his fields and protecting her. Because of his kindness, Ruth and Naomi had food and safety.

“The Lord bless him!’ Naomi said to her daughter-in-law. ‘He has not stopped showing his kindness to the living and the dead.’” (Ruth 2:20, NIV)

And David showed kindness to his friend‘s family. Because of this, Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son, was taken care of.

“David asked, ‘Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?’” (2 Samuel 9:1, NIV)

Kindness transforms lives, strengthens relationships, and creates lasting impact. And it’s a great way to reduce stress, boost happiness, and improve mood.

Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves. (Proverbs 11:17, NIV)