In a world that often encourages self-promotion, what does the Bible say about putting yourself first? Scripture calls believers to live lives of humility and selflessness, putting others ahead of ourselves. Let’s explore what the Bible teaches about finding balance between self-care and selflessness.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Being Silent
What Does The Bible Say About Putting Yourself First
1 Corinthians 10:24
“No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.”
This verse reminds us that our focus should not be on putting ourselves first, but rather on seeking to benefit and serve others. It encourages us to develop a selfless attitude and prioritize the needs of others above our own.
Philippians 2:4
“Each of you should look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others.”
Here, we are reminded to consider the interests and needs of others alongside our own. Putting others before ourselves requires a shift in mindset and a willingness to prioritize the well-being of others in our thoughts and actions.
Matthew 20:26-28
“Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
This powerful verse challenges our natural inclination to seek greatness and recognition for ourselves. Jesus, our ultimate example, teaches us that true greatness is found in serving others selflessly, even to the point of sacrificing our own desires and ambitions.
Mark 9:35
“Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, ‘Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.’
Jesus emphasizes that humility and placing ourselves last is the path to true greatness. As His disciples, we are called to serve others with love, compassion, and humility, mirroring the servant heart of our Savior.
Galatians 5:13
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”
While we have been set free in Christ, this verse reminds us not to misuse our freedom for selfish purposes. Instead, we are encouraged to serve one another with humility and love, putting the needs of others ahead of our own desires.
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
This verse teaches us to prioritize showing love, devotion, and honor to our fellow believers. By esteeming others above ourselves, we demonstrate selflessness and a willingness to put their needs and well-being before our own.
Luke 6:31
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
Known as the “Golden Rule,” this verse encourages us to treat others with the same kindness, respect, and consideration that we desire for ourselves. By practicing empathy and compassion, we demonstrate a selfless attitude towards others.
James 2:8
“If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right.”
By obeying the command to love our neighbors as ourselves, we fulfill God’s law. This requires us to put others on equal footing with ourselves, showing them the same love, kindness, and care that we naturally desire for our own well-being.
1 John 3:17-18
“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
This verse challenges us to move beyond mere words and demonstrate our love for others through tangible acts of kindness and compassion. It urges us to selflessly give to those in need, reflecting the genuine love of God within us.
Luke 14:11
“For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Jesus teaches us that exalting ourselves and seeking recognition will lead to our downfall. Instead, practicing humility and serving others will bring about true exaltation and honor in the eyes of God.
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
We are called to reject selfish motives and prideful attitudes, choosing instead to humbly regard others as more important than ourselves. By esteeming and valuing others, we display the selfless love of Christ.
1 Peter 4:10
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
This verse reminds us that every believer has been entrusted with unique gifts and abilities. We are called to use these blessings to serve others, recognizing that serving is a faithful stewardship of the grace God has bestowed upon us.
Romans 15:2
“Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.”
As followers of Christ, we are called to consider how our actions affect others. This verse encourages us to prioritize building others up and acting in ways that bring goodness and encouragement to those around us.
Luke 9:48
“Then he said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.'”
Jesus teaches us that greatness in His kingdom is not defined by worldly standards. By humbly embracing and serving even the least significant among us, we reflect the heart of Christ and find true greatness in His eyes.
Ephesians 5:21
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of mutual submission as an expression of our reverence for Christ. Submitting to others requires us to lay aside selfish desires and willingly place the needs and wishes of others before our own.
John 13:14-15
“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
Jesus modeled selfless service and humility through washing His disciples’ feet. He calls us to follow His example by serving one another in love and humility, putting aside our own pride and selfishness.
1 John 4:19
“We love because he first loved us.”
Our capacity to love others selflessly flows from the love that God has shown us. By recognizing and embracing His love, we are empowered to extend that same love to others, reflecting the selflessness of our Heavenly Father.
Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.”
This verse highlights the importance of showing kindness and compassion to those in need. When we selflessly help the poor and less fortunate, it is considered an act of lending to the Lord, and He promises to reward our selfless gestures.
Matthew 23:11
“The greatest among you will be your servant.”
Jesus reminds us that true greatness is not measured by power, authority, or status but by our servant heart. By willingly serving and loving others, we demonstrate true greatness in the eyes of God.
Colossians 3:23-24
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
This verse encourages us to approach every aspect of our lives with a selfless mindset, recognizing that ultimately, we are serving the Lord. By working diligently and wholeheartedly, not seeking personal gain but seeking to honor God, we express our selfless devotion.
Hebrews 6:10
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”
When we selflessly serve and help others, especially fellow believers, it is an act of love towards God. This verse assures us that God sees and values our selfless acts, and He will not forget them. He will reward our efforts and love.
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
We are called to be selfless in our support of others, always ready to help shoulder their burdens. By doing so, we fulfill the law of Christ, which is to love and care for one another actively.
Acts 20:35
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”
The teaching of Jesus emphasizes the blessings that come from selflessly giving to others. As followers of Christ, we are called to actively help the weak, generously giving of our resources, time, and energy, reflecting the heart of our Savior.
Matthew 25:40
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'”
This verse reminds us that when we selflessly serve and care for the least of our brothers and sisters, we are doing it unto Jesus Himself. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, is seen and valued by our loving Savior.
The Bible is filled with countless verses that encourage us to practice selflessness and prioritize the needs of others above our own desires and ambitions. These verses remind us that true greatness is found in serving others, as exemplified by Jesus Christ himself. We are called to imitate His selfless love and compassion, putting others first and seeking their good. Selflessness requires us to have a mindset shift, choosing humility, love, and honor towards our neighbors. By serving others, considering their interests, and actively meeting their needs, we reflect the heart of Christ and live out the call to love one another as He has loved us.