Mandalas, as spiritual symbols, aren’t directly mentioned in the Bible. However, the Bible cautions against practices that draw from non-Christian religious systems, encouraging believers to focus on God alone. Let’s explore what Scripture says about spiritual symbols and practices and how to approach them with discernment.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Hitting A Woman
What Does The Bible Say About Putting Others First
Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.
This verse reminds us to have a humble and selfless attitude, putting the needs and interests of others above our own. It challenges us to let go of selfish ambition and pride, and instead, prioritize the well-being and happiness of 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 is the ultimate example of putting others first. He came to serve, not to be served. This verse encourages us to follow his example and willingly sacrifice ourselves for the sake of others, just as Jesus laid down his life as a ransom for many.
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 freedom, but this freedom should not be used for selfish purposes. Instead, we should use it as an opportunity to humbly serve one another in love, putting the needs and well-being of others before our own desires.
Luke 6:31
Do to others as you would have them do to you.
This verse, often referred to as the golden rule, teaches us the importance of treating others with kindness, respect, and love. It encourages us to consider how we would like to be treated and extend the same to others, putting their needs and feelings before our own.
James 2:8
If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right.
Loving our neighbors as ourselves is a fundamental principle in the Scriptures. By following this law, we are putting others first and doing what is right in God’s eyes. It challenges us to show genuine love and care for those around us, prioritizing their well-being just as much as our own.
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 blessed each of us with unique gifts and talents. This verse encourages us to use those gifts not for our own selfish gain, but to serve others. We are called to be faithful stewards of God’s grace, using our abilities to bless and uplift those around us.
Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
In our relationships with others, we are called to be devoted in love, putting their needs and interests above our own. This verse emphasizes the importance of honoring and valuing one another, showing a selfless and sacrificial love.
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.”
This verse teaches us the value of humility and serving those who may be considered the least or the most vulnerable in society. When we welcome and care for others, especially those who are often overlooked, we are welcoming and serving Jesus himself.
1 Corinthians 10:24
No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.
Seeking the good of others should be our priority as believers. This verse encourages us to put aside our selfish desires and instead focus on how we can benefit and bless others. It reminds us that true fulfillment comes from selfless acts of love towards those around us.
Ephesians 4:2
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
In our interactions with others, we are called to exhibit humility, gentleness, patience, and love. This verse reminds us to be understanding and compassionate, putting aside our own needs and desires in order to cultivate harmonious relationships and support one another.
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.”
Jesus teaches that when we care for and serve others, especially those in need, we are ultimately serving him. This verse emphasizes the importance of putting others first, as our actions towards them are regarded as actions towards Christ himself.
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 humbly washed the feet of his disciples, setting an example of servant leadership. This verse challenges us to follow his example and serve one another with humility and love, putting aside any sense of superiority or entitlement.
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.
When we work or serve others, we should do so with diligence and wholeheartedness, recognizing that we are ultimately serving the Lord. This verse encourages us to put others first, knowing that our efforts will be rewarded by God.
Romans 15:1
We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.
Those who are stronger or more knowledgeable should be patient and understanding towards those who are weaker. This verse reminds us to put aside our own desires for personal satisfaction and instead show compassion and support to those who may struggle.
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 not only speak about love but to demonstrate it through our actions. If we have the means to help someone in need and fail to do so, it questions the authenticity of God’s love dwelling within us. True love requires sacrificial giving and caring for others practically.
Luke 22:26
But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.
In a world that values power and authority, Jesus teaches us a different way. True greatness is found in humility and service. This verse challenges us to adopt a servant-hearted attitude, putting others before ourselves, and prioritizing their needs, rather than seeking personal gain or recognition.
Hebrews 13:2
Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.
Showcasing hospitality to strangers is a virtue encouraged by this verse. It teaches us the importance of welcoming and caring for others, as our acts of kindness could have a greater significance beyond what we can see. It prompts us to put others first, treating them with love, respect, and generosity.
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 passage challenges us to go beyond the norm and extend our hospitality to those who are often marginalized or overlooked. By inviting the less fortunate, we demonstrate a selfless love, placing their needs and well-being above our own interests and receiving blessings from God in return.
Proverbs 19:17
Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.
Showcasing compassion and kindness towards the poor and needy is not in vain. This verse reminds us that when we care for and support those in need, we are lending to the Lord Himself and will be rewarded for our actions. It encourages us to put others first and trust in the promise of God’s faithfulness.
1 Timothy 5:8
Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
This verse emphasizes the importance of taking care of our own family and loved ones. By providing for their needs, we demonstrate love and put their well-being above our own desires. Neglecting this responsibility is seen as denying the faith and going against the principles of Christianity.
Galatians 6:10
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
This verse encourages us to seize every opportunity to do good to everyone we encounter. However, it emphasizes the importance of prioritizing fellow believers, showing them love, and providing support in both material and spiritual ways. It challenges us to put others first, starting with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Proverbs 14:21
Whoever despises their neighbor sins, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.
This verse highlights the significance of being kind and compassionate towards our neighbors, particularly those who are in need. Failing to show love and care to others is considered a sin, while displaying kindness and generosity is seen as a blessing. It reminds us to prioritize the needs of others and put them before our own desires.
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 reminds us of Jesus’ words that it is more blessed to be a giver than a receiver. This verse encourages us to work diligently and use our resources to help and support the weak and vulnerable. It challenges us to prioritize acts of giving and selflessness, finding joy in being a blessing to others.
Philippians 2:4
Each of you should look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others.
This verse teaches us to have a mindset that goes beyond self-centeredness. It prompts us to consider the needs and concerns of others, alongside our own interests. By looking out for the well-being of others, we put their needs before our own and live out the essence of putting others first.
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.
Often referred to as the golden rule, this verse encapsulates the teachings of the Law and the Prophets. It challenges us to treat others the way we would want to be treated, putting ourselves in their shoes and acting with empathy and kindness. Living by this principle means putting others first and prioritizing their well-being in all aspects of life.