Putting others before yourself is a selfless act that resonates with the teachings of Christ. Explore Bible verses about putting others first and discover the transformative power of sacrificial love. Learn how these verses inspire us to serve, care for one another, and emulate the compassionate nature of Jesus in our daily lives.
Bible Verses About Putting Others Before Your Self
Matthew 20:28
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.
In this verse, Jesus sets the ultimate example of putting others before Himself. He came not to be served, but to serve selflessly and sacrificially. His act of giving His life as a ransom for many demonstrates the depth of His love and the extent to which He prioritized the needs of humanity.
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 teaches His disciples that greatness in the Kingdom of God is not achieved through selfish ambition or seeking to be first. Instead, true greatness is found in humbly serving others. It requires a willingness to put aside personal desires and prioritize the needs of those around us.
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.
Paul reminds believers that freedom in Christ does not grant us license for selfishness, but rather an opportunity to serve others with love and humility. Putting others before ourselves becomes an expression of our gratitude for the freedom we have received and a reflection of the selfless love of Christ within us.
Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Jesus encourages His followers to give generously, both in material resources and in their care for others. When we prioritize the needs of others and give selflessly, God’s abundant blessings overflow into our lives. The measure of our giving reflects the measure of blessings we receive in return.
1 John 3:17
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?
John highlights the connection between love for God and love for others. If we possess the means to help someone in need and yet fail to show compassion, it raises questions about the presence of God’s love within us. Putting others before ourselves involves responding to their needs with empathy and kindness.
Matthew 7:12
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
Known as the Golden Rule, this verse encapsulates the principle of putting others before ourselves. By treating others with the same love, respect, and kindness that we desire for ourselves, we fulfill the essence of God’s law and the teachings of the prophets.
Galatians 6:2
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Paul encourages believers to bear the burdens of one another, supporting and helping each other through difficult times. Putting others before ourselves involves willingly extending a helping hand, offering comfort, and sharing the load. In doing so, we live out the love and compassion exemplified by Christ.
Philippians 2:4
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Paul emphasizes the importance of considering the interests and needs of others alongside our own. Putting others before ourselves requires a selfless mindset that actively seeks the well-being and welfare of those around us. It involves genuine care and empathy, going beyond self-centeredness.
Romans 15:1
We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.
Paul encourages believers who are strong in their faith to demonstrate patience, understanding, and tolerance towards those who are weaker or struggling. Instead of seeking personal satisfaction or pleasing ourselves, we are called to prioritize the support and encouragement of others.
Luke 14:12-14
Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
Jesus challenges the common practice of inviting only those who can reciprocate invitations. He encourages His followers to extend hospitality to those who cannot repay, emphasizing selfless giving without any expectation of personal gain. Such acts of kindness and generosity reflect the heart of God and bring eternal blessings.
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.”
In the parable of the sheep and the goats, Jesus teaches that acts of kindness and service to those in need are ultimately done unto Him. By putting others before ourselves, particularly the marginalized and vulnerable, we honor and serve Christ Himself.
Ephesians 5:21
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Paul encourages mutual submission within the body of believers, highlighting the importance of humility and considering the needs and perspectives of others. By willingly yielding our own preferences and agendas, we create an atmosphere of unity, respect, and putting others before ourselves.
James 2:8
If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right.
James reminds us of the royal law, the command to love our neighbor as ourselves. Putting others before ourselves involves actively demonstrating this love in practical ways. When we treat others with kindness, compassion, and respect, we fulfill God’s command and live according to His righteousness.
Proverbs 19:17
Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.
This proverb highlights the principle that acts of kindness towards the poor and needy are regarded as lending to the Lord Himself. By showing generosity and compassion to those less fortunate, we participate in God’s work of caring for His creation and can expect His blessings and rewards.
Luke 10:27
He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”
Jesus summarizes the greatest commandments, emphasizing the need for wholehearted love and devotion to God and the parallel command to love our neighbor as ourselves. Putting others before ourselves stems from an overflow of our love for God, as we reflect His love to those around us.
Galatians 5:14
For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Paul highlights that the entirety of God’s law finds its fulfillment in the command to love our neighbor as ourselves. When we prioritize the needs and well-being of others, we align ourselves with the heart of God and live out the essence of His commands.
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Matthew 23:11
The greatest among you will be your servant.
Jesus challenges the conventional understanding of greatness and leadership, teaching that true greatness is found in servanthood. By humbly serving others and putting their needs before our own, we exemplify the character of Christ and become true leaders in His Kingdom.
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.
Peter highlights the importance of utilizing our gifts and abilities to serve others. Recognizing that every good gift comes from God, we become faithful stewards of His grace by using what we have received to bless and benefit those around us.
Mark 10:45
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Jesus’ own words remind us of His ultimate example of selflessness and sacrifice. He came not to be served but to serve, and He demonstrated this through His willing sacrifice on the cross. By imitating His attitude of servanthood, we reflect His love and bring transformation to the lives of others.
Luke 6:31
Do to others as you would have them do to you.
Known as the “Golden Rule,” this principle teaches us to treat others with the same kindness, respect, and compassion that we desire for ourselves. By considering the needs and feelings of others and responding with empathy and grace, we create a positive impact and foster healthy relationships.
1 Corinthians 10:24
No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.
Paul’s instruction reminds us to prioritize the well-being of others over our own personal interests. Putting others before ourselves requires a deliberate choice to set aside selfish ambition and instead actively pursue the good and welfare of those around us.
Matthew 5:42
Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
Jesus teaches the importance of generosity and a willingness to share with those in need. Putting others before ourselves involves a readiness to give and help without hesitation, recognizing that our resources are ultimately from God and meant to be used for the benefit of others.
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.'”
Paul recalls the words of Jesus, highlighting the blessedness and joy that comes from giving rather than receiving. When we prioritize helping and supporting the weak and vulnerable, we experience the fulfillment and contentment that comes from imitating the selflessness of our Lord.
Philippians 2:5-7
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
Paul encourages believers to adopt the same mindset as Christ, who willingly set aside His divine privileges to become a servant for the sake of humanity. By humbly serving others, we reflect the character of Christ and demonstrate a Christlike attitude in our relationships.
James 2:1-4
My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
James addresses the issue of favoritism within the Christian community and highlights the need to treat all individuals with fairness and impartiality. Putting others before ourselves requires us to avoid making distinctions based on external appearances or social status, but rather to extend hospitality and respect to all, reflecting the inclusive love of Christ.
Romans 15:2
Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.
Paul emphasizes the importance of considering the well-being and edification of our neighbors. By consciously seeking to bring about the good of others and contributing to their growth and encouragement, we actively demonstrate love and selflessness in our relationships.