35 Bible Verses About Putting Others First in Life

Putting others before yourself isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a core biblical principle that defines true Christian faith. Throughout scripture, we’re called to embrace selflessness, humility, and service as reflections of Christ’s example. 

These verses remind us that genuine love and compassion flourish when we prioritize the needs of those around us. 

Whether you’re navigating relationships, community, or personal spiritual growth, understanding what the Bible says about sacrifice and generosity can transform your perspective. 

Let’s explore how God’s commandments guide us toward a servant heart and deeper devotion.This collection of biblical guidance offers practical wisdom for living out altruism in everyday moments. 

From Jesus’ teachings to the apostles’ instruction, these passages emphasize kindness, caring, and giving as pathways to righteousness. You’ll discover how putting others first strengthens fellowship, builds unity, and honors God’s will.

Each verse speaks to the character and virtue we’re meant to cultivate through obedience and commitment. Ready to dig into scripture that challenges and inspires? Let’s see what God reveals about brotherly love and true maturity.

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35 Bible Verses About Putting Others First in Life

Philippians 2:3 – Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves.

Romans 12:10 – Be kindly affectional one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

Galatians 6:2 – Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

Mark 10:45 – For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

John 15:13 – Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Matthew 23:11–12 – But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

1 Corinthians 10:24 – Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.

Luke 6:31 – And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.

1 Peter 4:10 – As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

Hebrews 13:16 – But to do good and to communicate, forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

Proverbs 3:27 – Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.

Matthew 5:41 – And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.

Romans 15:1–2 – We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good edification.

James 2:15–16 – If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

Colossians 3:12–13 – Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

Matthew 7:12 – Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

Luke 14:11 – For whosoever exalted himself shall be abased; and he that humbled himself shall be exalted.

Proverbs 11:25 – The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watered shall be watered also himself.

Isaiah 58:10 – And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday:

1 John 3:17–18 – But whoso hath this world’s good, and seethe his brother have need, and shittah up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

Romans 13:10 – Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

Matthew 20:26–28 – But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

Romans 12:13 – Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

Ephesians 4:2 – With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

Galatians 5:13 – For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

Proverbs 19:17 – He that hath pity upon the poor landed unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

John 13:14–15 – If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

Romans 14:19 – Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

Philippians 2:4 – Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

1 Corinthians 13:5 – Doth not behave itself unseemly, speaketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

Matthew 6:3 – But when thou does alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:

Zechariah 7:9–10 – Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother: And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart.

Job 29:15–16 – I was eyes to the blind, and feet were to the lame. I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out.

2 Corinthians 8:9 – For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

Our Thoughts On What the Bible Says About Putting Others Before Yourself

The Bible consistently presents selflessness as non-negotiable for anyone serious about their faith. When you examine Christ’s example, you see a pattern of radical sacrifice—Jesus didn’t just talk about love, He lived it by prioritizing others’ needs above His own comfort. 

This teaching isn’t abstract theology; it’s a practical commandment woven into every major spiritual truth the scriptures offer. God’s purpose for us includes developing humility and compassion, which naturally flow from putting others before yourself. 

The message is clear: authentic Christian living means embracing a servant mentality, not as a burden, but as a calling that brings genuine transformation.

Our perspective on this biblical principle starts with recognizing that generosity and kindness aren’t optional add-ons to belief—they’re central to God’s will. 

The apostles’ instruction and Jesus’ model both emphasize that virtue and character grow through acts of service. Reflection on these values reveals how putting others first deepens our relationship with God and our community. 

It’s not about self-erasure; it’s about submission to a higher calling, where love becomes action. Through meditation and contemplation, we grasp that scripture challenges us to live countercultural lives, where mercy, grace, and forgiveness define our conviction.

Say This Prayer

Prayer is where our commitment to putting others before yourself gets personal. When you pray with humility and surrender, you’re inviting the Holy Spirit to shape your heart and mind toward selflessness. 

This simple supplication isn’t just words—it’s an act of worship and communion with God, asking for strength to live out Christ’s example. 

Whether you’re seeking guidance, forgiveness, or transformation, bringing your petition before the Lord opens the door to real change. Jesus taught us that faith expressed through prayer connects us to the Father’s provision and protection, equipping us for service.

Your devotion deepens when you approach God with gratitude and confession, acknowledging where you fall short in caring for others. This intercession isn’t about perfection; it’s about trust and belief that God’s mercy covers us while we grow. 

Through prayer, you’re not just talking—you’re building closeness with the Father, asking for wisdom to prioritize needs beyond your own. The blessing and favor you seek come as you align your soul and spirit with God’s design. 

Repentance and thanksgiving work together, creating space for the Holy Spirit to cultivate compassion and love that overflow into your daily relationships.

Frequently Asked Question

What does the Bible say about putting others first?

The Bible teaches that putting others first reflects Christ’s love, emphasizing selflessness, humility, sacrifice, and service as core Christian values.

Which Bible verses teach selflessness?

Key verses include Philippians 2:3-4, Romans 12:10, and Mark 10:45, offering clear teachings on humility and sacrifice.

Why is humility important in the Bible?

Humility is a foundational virtue, essential for righteousness and reflecting God’s character, as scripture repeatedly emphasizes its significance.

How did Jesus put others before Himself?

Jesus demonstrated selflessness through His sacrifice on the cross, healing the sick, and serving others with compassion and love.

What Bible verses promote serving others?

Romans 12:10, Galatians 5:13, and 1 Peter 4:10 highlight the importance of serving with kindness, generosity, and love.