The Bible is full of teachings about selflessness and putting others first. Jesus himself modeled this throughout his life. Let’s explore how scripture encourages us to live with humility and love, always considering the needs of others.
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What Does The Bible Say About Putting Others Before Yourself
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.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of serving others selflessly, following the example of Jesus who came to serve and sacrifice Himself for the salvation of humanity. It challenges us to prioritize the needs of others above our own.
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
This verse encourages us to cultivate a humble attitude and to avoid selfishness and arrogance. It teaches us to consider others as more important than ourselves and to prioritize their needs and well-being.
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 that true greatness comes from selfless service. He challenges our pursuit of personal ambition and positions of power, urging us to humble ourselves and serve others with love and compassion.
Luke 9:23
“Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”
This verse highlights the radical commitment required to follow Jesus. It involves denying our selfish desires, embracing self-sacrifice, and faithfully following Christ’s example of love and service.
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.”
As believers, we are called to live in the freedom that Christ has given us. However, this freedom should not be used for self-gratification but rather to serve others sincerely and selflessly, reflecting God’s love.
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.”
God has endowed each believer with unique gifts and abilities. This verse encourages us to use those gifts for the benefit of others, recognizing that they are entrusted to us by God for the purpose of serving and blessing those around us.
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Our acts of selfless service and kindness not only benefit others but also bring glory to God. As we put others before ourselves, we reflect the light of God’s love and compassion, drawing people to Him.
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
This verse encourages us to cultivate a deep love and devotion for one another. We are called to honor and value others more highly than ourselves, demonstrating genuine care and respect for their well-being.
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.”
God promises to reward our selfless giving and generosity. When we put others before ourselves and give freely of our time, resources, and love, God blesses us abundantly, in ways that exceed our expectations.
Ephesians 5:21
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”
Mutual submission is an essential aspect of healthy relationships within the body of Christ. It involves willingly deferring to one another, considering their needs and well-being before our own, as an expression of reverence for Christ.
John 13:34-35
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”
Jesus’ command to love one another is the distinctive mark of His followers. When we prioritize love for others, especially within the Christian community, we demonstrate our identity as disciples of Christ and draw others to Him.
1 Corinthians 10:24
“No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.”
This verse challenges our natural inclination to pursue our own interests and desires. Instead, we are called to prioritize the well-being and interests of others, seeking to bless and benefit them in all that we do.
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 essence of the commandments by calling us to love God wholeheartedly and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Love for others should flow naturally from our love for God, inspiring us to put their needs and well-being before our own.
Titus 3:1
“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good.”
Putting others before ourselves extends beyond our immediate circle. This verse calls us to respect and submit to those in authority, demonstrating a willingness to do good and serve the broader community.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Encouragement and edification are important aspects of putting others before ourselves. We should actively seek to uplift and support one another, recognizing the power of our words and actions in building each other up.
Hebrews 13:16
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
Our generosity and willingness to share what we have with others pleases God. It is an act of sacrifice that reflects our commitment to selflessly serve and bless those around us.
James 1:27
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
True religion is characterized by caring for the vulnerable and marginalized. This verse reminds us of the importance of prioritizing the needs of the less fortunate, showing compassion and practical support to those who are most in need.
Romans 15:1
“We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.”
Strength in faith should lead us to support and bear with those who are weaker, rather than pursuing our own desires. It calls us to exercise patience and compassion towards others, recognizing their limitations and helping them grow.
Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”
God holds a special place for the poor and marginalized. This verse highlights the importance of showing kindness and generosity to those in need, assuring us that God will reward such acts of compassion.
Romans 12:20
“On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Putting others before ourselves extends even to our enemies. This verse challenges us to respond to their needs with kindness and grace, recognizing that such actions may lead to conviction and reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 9:7
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
In giving to others, it is essential to do so willingly and joyfully. This verse emphasizes that our giving should flow from a genuine desire to bless and serve others, rather than being driven by compulsion or obligation.
Romans 15:2
“Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.”
Seeking to please our neighbors by considering their needs and interests promotes unity and builds them up. It encourages us to adopt a mindset of selflessness and compassion, seeking the well-being 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.”
This verse challenges us to be openhanded and generous, not withholding help when it is within our means to provide it. It encourages us to prioritize the needs of others, even when their requests might inconvenience or challenge us.
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.”
Our love for others should extend beyond mere words or empty gestures. This verse challenges us to respond to the needs of our brothers and sisters practically, demonstrating genuine compassion and love in action.
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.”
This verse challenges us to extend our hospitality and generosity to those who cannot repay us. It reminds us that true blessings come from selfless giving and service, with an eternal reward that far surpasses any earthly repayment.
Romans 12:16
“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.”
Living in harmony requires humility and a willingness to associate with people of all backgrounds and positions. This verse challenges us to set aside our pride and to treat everyone with respect and dignity, valuing others more than ourselves.