30 Bible Verses On Putting Others First
Let’s look at God's Word to uncover the treasures of living a life that prioritizes others. This approach not only brings us closer to living like Jesus but also enriches our lives with love and community. Here are 30 Bible verses on putting others first that beautifully illustrate this principle and to encourage and guide us in our daily walk with Christ.
Bible Verses On Putting Others First
1. Philippians 2:3 – Humility in Valuing Others
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,"
This verse calls us to challenge the world's standards. When looking at the people around us, we should see their worth as greater than our own. We should lift others up. In our daily lives, this might look like listening more than we speak or choosing to serve without expecting anything in return. We should love others in a way that reflects Jesus' love for us.
2. 1 John 3:16 – Love Through Action
"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters."
Here, love is defined by the ultimate sacrifice – Jesus giving His life for us. This verse nudges us towards a love that isn't just spoken but acted upon. We should make sacrifices for others in daily acts of kindness and generosity. Whether it's giving up our time, resources or comfort, let’s put the needs of others first. This verse is a powerful reminder that our actions speak the language of love louder than words ever could.
3. Romans 12:10 – Devotion in Brotherly Love
"Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves."
This verse speaks volumes about the depth of relationships we're called to have within the body of Christ. It's not a surface-level interaction but a devoted, heartfelt love. Honoring others above ourselves means giving respect, showing appreciation and prioritizing their well-being and dignity.
4. Galatians 5:13 – Serving One Another in Love
"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."
Freedom in Christ is not an excuse for self-indulgence but an opportunity to serve others. This verse is a beautiful reminder that our actions towards one another should be rooted in love and humility. Serving others doesn't mean we lose our freedom but instead, it's the expression of our freedom in Christ. When we serve others, we are living out the love of Christ.
5. Matthew 23:11 – The Greatest Among You
"The greatest among you will be your servant."
In the kingdom of God, the hierarchy is flipped upside down. This verse challenges us to examine our motivations and encourages us to seek opportunities to serve others. Being a servant means putting the needs of others before our own desires. It's doing the small, unnoticed tasks as much as the big, applauded ones.
6. 1 Peter 4:10 – Using Gifts to Serve Others
"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 we all have unique gifts and talents given by God, not for our own benefit but to serve others. We can use what we've been given to bless others and spread God's grace. Whether it's teaching, encouraging, giving or leading, every gift has a purpose in serving the body of Christ. It encourages us to look beyond our interests and see how we can contribute to the well-being of others.
7. Proverbs 3:27 – Do Not Withhold Good
"Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act."
This verse speaks to the importance of acting on the opportunities we have to do good for others. It reminds us that when we have the ability to help someone, we shouldn't hesitate. We should be proactive in looking for ways to bless others, knowing that our actions reflect God's love and generosity.
8. Luke 6:31 – The Golden Rule
"Do to others as you would have them do to you."
This verse is a powerful principle for how we should treat others. It encourages us to put ourselves in others' shoes and treat them with the kindness, respect and love we would want to receive. This simple yet profound guidance can transform our relationships and interactions, making our communities more loving and compassionate.
9. John 15:13 – The Ultimate Love
"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."
This verse highlights the depth of love we're called to have for one another – a love so profound that it mirrors Jesus' sacrifice for us. While we may not be called to physically lay down our lives, there are countless ways we can sacrificially love those around us. This verse encourages us to put other’s needs and well-being above our own, whether through acts of service, forgiveness or support.
10. Ephesians 4:32 – Kind and Compassionate
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
Kindness and compassion are actions that reflect God's love. This verse calls us to extend forgiveness as freely as we have received it from Christ. This verse is a reminder to show grace, even when it's hard and to seek reconciliation. Living out this verse can lead to healed relationships and a stronger, more loving community.
11. Philippians 2:4 – Looking to the Interests of Others
"Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."
Our world often encourages self-centeredness, but this verse is a call to consider others' needs and interests as important as our own. We should aim to be attentive and responsive to what others are going through, offering support and making sacrifices for their benefit. This mindset fosters a community of care and mutual support, reflecting the love and unity that God desires for us.
12. Hebrews 13:16 – Do Not Forget to Do Good
"And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."
This verse encourages us to continually look for opportunities to do good and share what we have with others. It reminds us that our acts of kindness and generosity are not just helpful to those around us but are also pleasing to God. Whether it's sharing our time, resources or talents, every act of goodness is a reflection of God's love and grace in our lives.
13. Matthew 5:42 – Give to the One Who Asks You
"Give to the one who asks you and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you."
Jesus' words here challenge us to be generous and open-handed with what we have. This verse calls us to a lifestyle of giving, not only from our abundance but also from our scarcity. It's trusting God enough to share with others, believing that He will provide for our needs as we meet the needs of others.
14. Luke 9:23 – Denying Ourselves
"Then he said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'"
Following Jesus means putting aside our own desires and priorities to follow Him and serve others. This doesn’t diminish our value but it means finding our true purpose and joy in serving God and those He loves. This is a daily decision to put others first, just as Jesus did for us.
15. Acts 20:35 – More Blessed to Give
"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' teaching that there's greater joy in giving than receiving. This verse calls us to work hard not just for our own benefit but to help those in need. It challenges us to find joy in generosity, knowing that our actions can make a significant difference in the lives of others.
16. Colossians 3:12 – Clothe Yourselves with Compassion
"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."
This verse paints a beautiful picture of how we're to present ourselves to the world, adorned with qualities that reflect God's own heart. It's like choosing our daily outfits, but instead of clothes, we're asked to wear compassion and kindness as a visible sign of our faith. Each day offers new opportunities to show patience and gentleness, reminding us that these virtues not only benefit others but also transform us, making us more like Christ.
17. 1 Corinthians 10:24 – Seek the Good of Others
"No one should seek their own good, but the good of others."
This verse encourages selflessness and for us to look beyond our desires and interests. Whether it's in our conversations, decisions or actions, we're reminded to consider how we can contribute to the well-being of those around us.
18. James 2:15-16 – Faith Expressed Through Action
"Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?"
This passage challenges us to put our faith into action. It's not enough to offer well-wishes or prayers if we're not willing to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the world. True faith is demonstrated through our willingness to help those in need, providing practical support and showing God's love through our actions.
19. Proverbs 11:25 – The Generous Soul
"A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed."
The wisdom of Proverbs highlights the reciprocal nature of generosity. When we give freely, whether it's our time, resources or love, we not only bless those around us but also find ourselves blessed in return.
20. Matthew 20:26-27 – Servant Leadership
"...whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant and whoever wants to be first must be your slave."
Jesus turns our understanding of greatness and leadership upside down. We are to lead by example, demonstrating the same humility and selflessness that Jesus did.
21. Luke 10:30-37 – The Good Samaritan
"In reply Jesus said: 'A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers... A Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.'"
The Good Samaritan's actions reflect a heart moved by compassion, crossing cultural and social barriers to help someone in need. This story challenges us to see everyone as our neighbor and to act with kindness and compassion, regardless of differences.
22. Galatians 6:2 – Bear One Another's Burdens
"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
Supporting one another through difficult times is a key aspect of Christian community. This verse calls us to be present for one another, sharing in each other's struggles and offering practical and emotional support. By bearing one another's burdens, we live out the love of Christ, creating a community where no one has to face life's challenges alone.
23. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Encourage and Build Up
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
Encouragement is a powerful tool in our relationships, capable of uplifting and strengthening those around us. This verse reminds us of the importance of speaking life-giving words and being a source of support. Whether through encouragement or simply being there, we have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of others.
24. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 – Love Is Selfless
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs."
This passage describes a love that puts the needs and well-being of others first, a love that mirrors the selfless, sacrificial love of Christ. By practicing this kind of love, we can transform our relationships and reflect God's love to the world.
25. Ephesians 5:21 – Submit to One Another
"Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."
Mutual submission in our relationships fosters unity and respect. This verse challenges us to view our relationships through the lens of serving Christ, leading us to act in love and humility.
26. Romans 15:1-2 – Build Up Your Neighbor
"We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up."
This passage calls those who are strong in faith and character to support those who are struggling. It includes using our strengths to serve and uplift others, focusing on their good rather than our own satisfaction.
27. Philippians 2:1-2 – Unity Through Humility
"Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind."
This passage emphasizes the importance of unity and love within the Christian community. It encourages us to draw from our experience of Christ's love to live in harmony with one another, united by a common purpose and spirit. This unity is built on humility, compassion and a genuine concern for others.
28. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – Comforting Others
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God."
We are called to be conduits of God's comfort, sharing the hope and encouragement we've received with those around us. This verse reminds us that our experiences, especially those involving overcoming challenges, equip us to empathize with and support others in their times of need.
29. Matthew 25:40 – Serving Jesus in Others
"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 highlights the profound truth that when we serve others, we are serving Christ Himself. We should strive to see Jesus in everyone we meet and to treat them with the love and respect we would offer to Christ. This perspective transforms our interactions and motivates us to serve with joy and generosity.
30. John 13:34-35 – A New Command
"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 as He has loved us is at the heart of Christian living. This love is the mark of a disciple, setting us apart and demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel. By loving one another, we reflect God's love to the world and draw others to Christ.
Putting others first is a foundational aspect of living as followers of Christ. These 30 Bible verses on putting others first provide us with clear guidance and inspiration to live selflessly, reflecting Jesus' love in our everyday actions and interactions. As we seek to put these principles into practice, let's remember that every act of kindness, every gesture of love and every moment of service is a step closer to the heart of God. Let's embrace this call with joy, knowing that in serving others, we find the truest expression of our faith and the deepest fulfillment in our Christian journey!
FAQ
What does the Bible say about putting others first?
The Bible is filled with verses that encourage us to value others above ourselves, serve one another in love and practice generosity and kindness.
How can I apply the principle of putting others first in my daily life?
You can start by listening more, offering your time and resources to help others, practicing kindness and forgiveness and seeking ways to serve those around you.
Why is it important to put others first according to the Bible?
Putting others first is a reflection of Jesus' love and sacrifice for us. It builds stronger, more loving communities and aligns our lives with God's will.
Can putting others first improve my personal relationships?
Yes, prioritizing the needs and well-being of others can lead to deeper, more meaningful relationships and foster a sense of community and belonging.
How does serving others impact our own lives?
Serving others enriches our lives, brings us joy and helps us to grow in love and compassion. It also brings us closer to fulfilling God's purpose for our lives.
What are some practical ways to serve others?
Volunteering, donating to those in need, offering emotional support and simply being present and attentive to others are great ways to serve.
How can I encourage others to put others first?
Lead by example, share the impact it has had on your life and gently encourage acts of kindness and service in your community.
