Putting others before ourselves is a biblical principle rooted in love and humility. The scriptures encourage us to serve and care for one another as an expression of our faith.
This collection of Bible verses about putting others before yourself can inspire you to adopt a posture of selflessness. These verses remind us of the joy and fulfillment that comes from prioritizing the needs of others.
Bible Verses About Putting Others Before Yourself
Philippians 2:3 – The Importance of Humility in Putting Others First
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
Related Christian Quotes:
“When we put others first, we reflect Christ’s love and humility, transforming lives through acts of service.” – Charles Stanley
“True greatness lies in being a servant to others, for God has called us to love, serve, and uplift.” – Joyce Meyer
“Selflessness is mandatory in the kingdom of God; it is the pathway to true fulfillment and joy.” – Rick Warren
Also read: 35 Bible Verses About The Lord’S Supper (with Christian Quotes)
Mark 10:45 – Jesus’ Example of Selflessness
“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.” – Mark 10:45
Related Christian Quotes:
“Jesus did not come to be praised but to serve, and in doing so, He showed us the greatest act of love.” – Max Lucado
“Serving is not just what Jesus did; it is who He was. His life was a model of selfless living.” – Tony Evans
“To serve others is to follow the very footsteps of Christ—unselfishly and with a heart full of love.” – Joel Osteen
Romans 13:9 – The Command to Love Your Neighbor
“The commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not covet,’ and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” – Romans 13:9
Related Christian Quotes:
“Loving others isn’t simply a suggestion; it’s a commandment that reflects the heart of God.” – David Jeremiah
“To live by the command to love is to open our hearts to the needs of others around us.” – Beth Moore
“Love goes beyond feelings; it is an action that demonstrates our priorities and choices.” – John Piper
Galatians 5:13 – Serving Others as a Form of Worship
“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.” – Galatians 5:13
Related Christian Quotes:
“Serving others is a privilege that reflects our gratitude for the grace we have received.” – Tony Campolo
“Worship is not just what we do on Sunday; it is how we treat those around us every day.” – Francis Chan
“When we serve others, we honor God and fulfill the very purposes for our freedom.” – Anne Graham Lotz
2 Corinthians 9:7 – The Power of Kindness and Generosity
“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.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7
Related Christian Quotes:
“Generosity is not about how much we give, but the spirit in which we give it.” – Randy Alcorn
“When we give joyfully, we tap into the divine rhythm of living with an open hand.” – Bob Goff
“Our giving should never be driven by guilt, but rather by the love and joy we have in Christ.” – Ann Voskamp
1 Peter 4:10 – Bible Characters Who Exemplified Putting Others First
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10
Related Christian Quotes:
“Your gifts are not just for you; they are meant to enrich the lives of those around you.” – Andy Stanley
“Serving others is one of the powerful ways we express our faith and obedience to God.” – Christine Caine
“God has equipped you to uplift others and bring Heaven to earth through your actions.” – Priscilla Shirer
Colossians 3:23-24 – The Role of Forgiveness in Selflessness
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” – Colossians 3:23-24
Related Christian Quotes:
“True service comes when we focus not on others’ actions toward us, but on being faithful to God.” – Joyce Meyer
“Forgiveness frees us to serve others without baggage or hesitation.” – Tim Keller
“Doing everything for God’s glory is the ultimate expression of selflessness and love.” – Charles Stanley
Luke 6:31 – Practicing Empathy and Compassion
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” – Luke 6:31
Related Christian Quotes:
“Empathy is not just about feeling; it’s about taking action to uplift those in need.” – Mother Teresa
“We need to create spaces where compassion and kindness are standard practices.” – Brené Brown
“Compassion is the greatest form of love, reminding us of our shared human experience.” – Desmond Tutu
Romans 12:10 – Community and Fellowship: A Call to Serve
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10
Related Christian Quotes:
“True community flourishes when we intentionally seek to serve one another.” – Rick Warren
“Fellowship is best expressed when we put the wellbeing of others above our own.” – John Ortberg
“In the body of Christ, we are called to ensure each other thrives through love and service.” – Nicky Gumbel
Philippians 2:4 – Overcoming Pride to Serve Others
“Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” – Philippians 2:4
Related Christian Quotes:
“True humility means looking at others’ interests with joyous ambition.” – Paul Tripp
“God calls us to a life where we can encourage and elevate those around us.” – Christine Caine
“When pride leaves, we can experience the profound beauty of genuine relationships.” – T.D. Jakes
Proverbs 19:17 – The Impact of Acts of Kindness
“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” – Proverbs 19:17
Related Christian Quotes:
“Each act of kindness is an investment in the Kingdom of God.” – David Platt
“Kindness is a bridge that connects our hearts with those in need.” – Ann Voskamp
“When we give, we reflect God’s heart and nature.” – Charles Stanley
Isaiah 58:7 – There is Joy in Serving Others
“Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?” – Isaiah 58:7
Related Christian Quotes:
“Serving those in need not only meets their needs but brings an enriching joy to our hearts.” – John Piper
“The truest joy comes when we extend our hands and hearts to those who need it most.” – Joyce Meyer
“When we feed the hungry, we satisfy Christ in those we serve.” – Mother Teresa
Luke 10:36-37 – The Call to Be a Good Samaritan
“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers? The expert in the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’ Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise.'” – Luke 10:36-37
Related Christian Quotes:
“Being a Good Samaritan means that we don’t just see needs—we act on them.” – Rick Warren
“Compassion should move us to action; it speaks loudly of who we are in Christ.” – Beth Moore
“The Good Samaritan’s story calls us to awaken our hearts to the needs of others.” – T.D. Jakes
2 Corinthians 9:11 – Charity: What the Bible Says
“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” – 2 Corinthians 9:11
Related Christian Quotes:
“Generosity leads to joy, not only for the giver but also for those who receive.” – John Ortberg
“When we give generously, we provide a testimony of God’s goodness.” – Robert Morris
“Every gift opens the door to the blessings of God in our lives.” – Joyce Meyer
1 Peter 4:10 – The Spiritual Gift of Service
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10
Related Christian Quotes:
“Your unique gifts are meant to serve a greater purpose in the lives of others.” – Beth Moore
“As we serve, we become stewards of God’s grace—sharing it through our actions.” – Tony Evans
“God’s grace in our lives compels us to extend that grace to others.” – John Piper
Romans 12:1-2 – How Selflessness Reflects God’s Love
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” – Romans 12:1-2
Related Christian Quotes:
“A sacrifice worthy of God is a life lived in service to others.” – Charles Stanley
“When we live selflessly, we glorify God and embody His love to the world.” – Rick Warren
“Offering ourselves fully to God leads us to serve others in profound ways.” – Christine Caine
Matthew 5:16 – Choosing Others Over Yourself in Conflict
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
Related Christian Quotes:
“In conflict, let your actions reflect the light of Christ, compelling others towards Him.” – Kyle Idleman
“How we handle conflict can be a testimony of God’s love and grace.” – Linda Dillow
“Shining your light means choosing compassion and love even in difficult moments.” – Max Lucado
Galatians 6:2 – Carrying Each Other’s Burdens
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Related Christian Quotes:
“We live in community, and we are called to share in each other’s joys and pains.” – John Ortberg
“Bearing a burden means we are the hands and feet of Jesus to those around us.” – Tony Campolo
“When we lift others up, we embody Christ’s love and compassion.” – Beth Moore
Ephesians 4:2 – The Blessings of Serving Others
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” – Ephesians 4:2
Related Christian Quotes:
“Each act of service cultivates our character and strengthens our hearts.” – Rick Warren
“Serving others can be the key to unlock the full blessings of God in our lives.” – T.D. Jakes
“The greatest reward of serving is found not in what we receive, but in what we give.” – John Piper
1 John 3:18 – Encouraging One Another in Love
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” – 1 John 3:18
Related Christian Quotes:
“Genuine love is proven through our actions rather than mere words.” – Joyce Meyer
“Our love is demonstrated in serving and uplifting those around us.” – Francis Chan
“When we act in love, we become true ambassadors of Christ’s heart.” – Christine Caine
Isaiah 1:17 – Commitment to Justice: Putting Others First
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” – Isaiah 1:17
Related Christian Quotes:
“Justice is at the very heart of God, and we are called to defend those without a voice.” – Beth Moore
“When we serve the marginalized, we reflect Christ’s love in action.” – John Piper
“Standing for justice mirrors God’s character and His desire for righteousness.” – N.T. Wright
Philippians 2:5 – Following Christ’s Model of Servanthood
“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 2:5
Related Christian Quotes:
“Christ’s humility teaches us that true leadership is defined by servanthood.” – Rick Warren
“When we emulate Christ’s mind and heart, we can transform the world around us.” – Tony Evans
“Following Christ means embracing the path of service with joy and dedication.” – Max Lucado
Romans 12:3 – The Connection Between Humility and Relationships
“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” – Romans 12:3
Related Christian Quotes:
“Humility opens our hearts to deeper connections with one another.” – David Platt
“As we grow in humility, we create space for love and understanding in our relationships.” – Joyce Meyer
“A humble heart fosters unity and peace among believers.” – John Ortberg
1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Serving in the Community: A Biblical Mandate
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Related Christian Quotes:
“Encouragement is an act of love, and it strengthens the community of believers.” – Christine Caine
“Being part of a community means actively serving and uplifting one another.” – T.D. Jakes
“Our purpose is fulfilled when we come together to serve and support each other.” – Beth Moore
1 Peter 4:9 – Practicing Hospitality as a Selfless Act
“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” – 1 Peter 4:9
Related Christian Quotes:
“Hospitality is love made visible; it invites others into the warmth of our hearts.” – Henri Nouwen
“When we open our homes and lives, we reflect God’s welcome to us.” – Rick Warren
“Practicing hospitality brings joy not only to others but also to our own hearts.” – John Piper
Romans 12:2 – Renewing Your Mind to Focus on Others
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” – Romans 12:2
Related Christian Quotes:
“To serve others, we must change our mindset from self-focused to others-centered.” – Charles Stanley
“Transformation occurs when we align our thoughts with God’s heart for serving others.” – Christine Caine
“Renewed minds lead to renewed lives that prioritize serving over self.” – Beth Moore
Matthew 20:28 – The Eternal Reward of Serving Others
“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.” – Matthew 20:28
Related Christian Quotes:
“Serving others leads us to discover true fulfillment, reflecting Christ’s own mission.” – Rick Warren
“When we prioritize service, we align ourselves with the heart of the Gospel.” – Tony Evans
“Every act of service carries eternal significance in God’s Kingdom.” – John Piper
Final Thoughts
Putting others before ourselves is a profound call found throughout the Bible. It challenges us to rise above our natural tendencies and embrace a lifestyle marked by humility, service, and love. By following the example of Christ, who exemplified selflessness, we open doors to transformation in our lives and the lives of those around us.
The verses remind us that each act of kindness and service not only fulfills God’s command but also carries eternal significance. In a world that often promotes self-centeredness, choosing to put others first shines a light on the true nature of God’s love.