25 Bible Verses About Putting Others Before Your Self (With Commentary)

Today’s life is busy. But Philippians 2:3-4 shows us how important it is to think of others more than ourselves. This piece shares tips from the Bible on how to make sure we put other people’s needs first.

Love and Service

Philippians 2:3-4 tells us not to act with selfish ambition or vain conceit. It says we should consider others more important than ourselves and look after their needs, not just our own wants.

Galatians 5:13 tells us to use our freedom to serve each other with love. Serving is a choice made from care.

1 Peter 4:10 explains that everyone has a gift they should use to help others. This spreads God’s grace further. In John 13:14-15, Jesus washed his friends’ feet as an example for us, proving no service is too small if it helps someone else.

Matthew 20:26-28 teaches that being great means serving others because Jesus came to help and give his life for many.

Philippians 2:3-4

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."

These verses tell us to be humble and put others first. They say we should not be selfish or full of ourselves. Instead, we should see others as more important than us. We must care about what other people need too.

Doing this brings people together. It makes everyone get along better because it shows that we value each other. The message is to act like Christ Jesus did, with love and humility towards one another.

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."

Galatians 5:13 tells us to use our freedom to serve others with love. This verse warns us not to be selfish. Instead, we should show love like God does.

Choosing to serve and love shows we truly understand what freedom in Christ means. We stop thinking only about ourselves and start caring for those around us.

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."

1 Peter 4:10 tells us to use our gifts to serve others. These gifts come from God. Using them this way is key, just like Jesus served people.

Everyone has unique talents because of God’s grace. We shouldn’t show off with these abilities. Instead, we should help each other out. Doing this spreads kindness and makes the world a better place.

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 washed His disciples’ feet in John 13:14-15. This showed humility and love. He taught us to serve one another.

By helping others, we follow Jesus’s command to love selflessly. Serving becomes a way of living, inspired by Jesus’s actions.

Matthew 20:26-28

"Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 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 20:26-28 tells us to serve and think of others first. This shows that being helpful and putting ourselves low for others is true greatness. The Son of Man came to help, not get help.

This teaches us that helping leads to honor. Being humble pulls us closer to people around us.

Selfish actions hurt our bonds with others. This part says clearly: if you try to be on top, you’ll fall, but if you stay low, you’ll rise up. Serving is more than just doing—it’s about growing like Christ by being humble for eternal life and glory.

Humility

The Bible tells us humility is key. Jesus, who had equality with God, chose to live as a servant. This teaches us real humility means serving and loving others without focusing on our pride or status.

James 4:10 says if we humble ourselves before God, He will lift us up. Humility leads to blessings. It’s about seeing everyone as important and putting their needs first, just like Jesus did.

By being humble, we follow the attitude of Christ Jesus and show love and care for others.

Romans 12:10

"Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves."

Romans 12:10 tells us to show deep love, like a family. We should honor others more than ourselves. This way, we live humbly and show true Christian love.

By putting others first, we choose kindness and brotherly love. Romans 12:10 guides us to act with respect and care for everyone, moving away from selfish acts.

Philippians 2:5-8

"In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness."

Philippians 2:5-8 shows us Jesus Christ set the ultimate example of humility and love. Even though He was God, He chose to live as a human. Jesus served others and followed God’s commands completely.

His journey ended with His death on the cross for us.

This part of the Bible teaches us about caring for others before ourselves. Jesus had power but didn’t use it for Himself. Instead, He lived humbly in human form. By doing this, He showed us how to truly care and put others first.

Colossians 3:12

"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."

Colossians 3:12 tells us God chose us to spread kindness, humility, and patience. This verse teaches us to put others first and love them like the Lord loves us. We should always forgive, just as we are forgiven.

Living by these words makes us reflect God’s love. Showing kindness is not just a good idea; it’s what God asks of us. Let’s make each day full of gentle acts and caring for those around us.

James 4:10

"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."

James 4:10 tells us to be humble before the Lord. Being humble means not just bowing down but changing our hearts and minds from selfish thoughts. When we do this, God lifts us up.

It’s important to put others first and show love by what we do.

This part of the Bible asks us to stop chasing after things that make us want to be better than others. We should care more about other people’s needs than our own wants. By being humble, God honors us.

This shows that being great really comes from serving others and relying on God completely.

1 Peter 5:5

"In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

1 Peter 5:5 tells us to always be ready to serve others and not seek our own gain. It’s important for the young to respect their elders, but really, everyone should respect and submit to each other.

God favors those who are humble.

Jesus taught that true greatness comes from serving others. By putting others first and being humble, we follow Christ’s lead. Being humble means valuing others more than ourselves, just like 1 Peter 5:5 guides us.

Unity and Peace

Ephesians 4:2-3 teaches us to be humble, gentle, and patient. We must love one another and keep peace. Romans 14:19 tells us to pursue peaceful actions that help everyone grow. The Bible wants us to live in harmony and put each other first.

This makes a community where everyone feels important.

Unity and peace matter a lot in living by the Bible’s words. Psalms 133:1 says living together in peace is wonderful. It compares this to precious oil, showing God’s blessing on those who live in harmony.

In 1 Corinthians 1:10, Paul asks Christians to have no disagreements among them. Unity shows Jesus’ desire for His followers—to be united just like He is with God the Father—and share God’s love through our unity.

Ephesians 4:2-3

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

Be kind and gentle. Show patience to everyone, forgiving faults because you love them. Work hard to stay united, creating peace among each other. This Bible part tells us to put Christ first, others next, and ourselves last by being humble and gentle.

The passage teaches the importance of humility, patience, and understanding in our relationships. It shows that being patient even when it’s tough helps hold people together in peace and unity in the Spirit among believers.

Romans 14:19

"Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification."

Romans 14:19 tells us to aim for peace and build each other up. It’s about caring for others, especially those who aren’t as strong in faith. We should not do things that might harm someone’s belief in God.

This verse teaches us not to judge but to support and uplift everyone on their path with Christ.

The key message is clear—foster harmony and encourage spiritual growth among one another. Romans 14:19 captures the essence of Christianity, which is love and concern for each other, putting community well-being ahead of personal views or freedom.

It calls for living by example, so our actions strengthen and bring together the faith community.

1 Corinthians 1:10

"I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought."

Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 1:10 to live together in peace. He says Christians should care for each other more than themselves. This stops fights and makes everyone get along better.

We must act as one group that follows Christ. This shows we love God most and keep the Christian family strong. Everyone needs to think of others first, not just themselves.

Psalm 133:1

"How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!"

Psalm 133:1 says living together in harmony is good and beautiful. Israel’s tribes showed us that unity brings blessings. Christians should show the same brotherly love to win God’s favor.

Experts like David Guzik and authors of the Amplified Bible agree on this. Unity reflects Christlike love and draws divine blessings. Matthew Henry adds, even when people disagree, working towards peace lets God’s goodness shine through.

Romans 15:1-2

"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."

Romans 15:1-2 teaches us to help the weak and not just focus on ourselves. We need to do things that make others stronger, like Christ did. It’s important to care for everyone, even if they are different or disagree with us.

This means we should put their needs first.

Doing this brings joy and peace to those around us. By accepting and supporting each other, we show respect for God. The message is about loving each other as Jesus taught us.

This way, we create unity among believers by sacrificing our own wants for understanding and love.

Sacrifice

John 15:13 says the best love is to die for friends. Jesus showed this by dying for everyone. The Bible wants us to be like living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.

Abraham was ready to sacrifice Isaac, showing selflessness. Jesus’ choice to die teaches us to care less about ourselves and more about others. Ephesians 5:2 tells us to love like Christ loved us, giving himself up as a sweet-smelling offering to God.

Loving others first brings joy and peace.

John 15:13

"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."

John 15:13 teaches about the greatest love – giving up one’s life for friends. This shows deep care and putting others first. Jesus taught us to love like this, focusing on sacrifice and helping each other.

Staying close to Jesus helps live a life that values others more than oneself. Many people admire this teaching for its focus on service and humility. It motivates believers to act with love, following Jesus’ example.

Romans 12:1

"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 teaches us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, seen as holy and pleasing to God. This act reflects true worship. It’s about showing mercy through our actions every day.

We’re asked to live with grace, moving away from being selfish.

By choosing self-sacrifice, we follow Jesus’ example of humility and service. This choice helps us love others more than ourselves. Our lives become a daily offer of worship to God.

Ephesians 5:2

"And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

Ephesians 5:2 tells us to act with love, just like Jesus did. He loved us so much that he gave his life for us. This was a gift and sacrifice that made God happy. We should treat others well because of how much Jesus loves us.

Acting with love means being kind and thinking of others first, like Jesus showed us. Ephesians 5:2 also talks about this in marriage – helping each other and living in a way that shows Jesus’ love by what we do for others.

1 John 3:16

"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."

John 3:16 shows God’s love by giving His Son for us. This teaches us to love others deeply, not just with words but with actions. We learn to put people first and help them, just like God helped us.

This shows true love means doing something for someone else, because of what God did for us.

Hebrews 13:16

"And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."

Hebrews 13:16 tells us doing good and sharing makes God happy. It’s about kindness, generosity, and putting others first. This verse connects to showing love like Jesus did by caring for people.

By living selflessly, we make sacrifices that please God. We help those in need and love our neighbors as deeply as God loves us.

Encouragement and Support

The Bible says we should help and encourage each other. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 and a part in Hebrews tell us to push for good actions in our friends. We need to carry each other’s heavy loads, just like Galatians 6:2 teaches.

It makes us stronger together.

Romans 12:15 tells us to be happy with those who are happy and sad with those who are sad. This way, everyone feels like they belong.

God wants us to care for others more than ourselves. In First Corinthians 10:24, it says not to focus on what’s good for us but what helps others. By doing this, we show the kindness and love that God loves.

Looking out for one another is key in living how God wants. Our actions of caring show the heart of Jesus’ teachings and bring glory to our Heavenly Father.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

1 Thessalonians 5:11 tells Christians to encourage and help each other grow in faith. This helps build a strong community within the Church. By focusing on serving others, everyone gets stronger in their walk with the Lord Jesus Christ.

It shows real love and support among believers.

Hebrews 10:24

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,"

Hebrews 10:24 tells us to help each other love more and do good things. Christians should care about others, not just themselves. We need to encourage friends and family to be kind.

Staying connected matters, as Hebrews 10:25 shows. Being with others makes us stronger. Jesus showed this by helping people first, even dying for them.

This way of living copies Jesus. He taught us to serve and put people first. By doing so, we follow His example of love.

Galatians 6:2

"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

Galatians 6:2 teaches us to help each other out. It’s about putting the needs of others first, just like Jesus taught. This way, we show love and support in tough times.

When we focus on helping others, everyone feels cared for. The Christian community grows stronger this way. We practice humility by lending a hand and loving like Jesus did.

Romans 12:15

"Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn."

Romans 12:15 tells us to feel with others. We should be happy for people when they are happy. We should cry with them when they are sad. This teaching is about empathy. Jesus showed us this through his love and actions.

Being selfless and caring for the well-being of others matters a lot. When we think of others as more important, we follow a key Christian lesson. Celebrating their wins and being there in tough times shows deep heart love.

1 Corinthians 10:24

"No one should seek their own good, but the good of others."

1 Corinthians 10:24 says we should care for others more than ourselves. This teaches us to be humble. It tells Christians to not be selfish. We should love, have patience, and keep faith with each other first.

Doing this honors God.

This message fights being self-centered. Loving like Jesus means deeply caring for people around us, putting them first. By living 1 Corinthians 10:24, we show Christ’s love—a selfless love that lifts everyone up.

What Does the Bible Say About Putting Others Before Your Self?

The Bible says we should care more about others than ourselves. In Philippians 2:3-4, it tells us to be humble and not selfish. We need to think about what other people need, not just what we want.

Jesus did this by serving others and told us to do the same.

Being selfless is important in being a good Christian. Matthew 7:12 says treat others how you want to be treated. This means our actions should help, not hurt, those around us. The Bible shows that honoring God means putting the needs of others before our own wants.

By doing this, we show love and humility like Jesus showed us.

Conclusion

The Bible tells us to put others first. This means showing love, serving, being humble, sticking together, and sacrificing. When we do these things, we make life better for others and ourselves.

We learn to be kind and think of other people’s needs before our own.

Living this way follows what the Bible says about love and care. It asks us to act kindly and help those around us. This makes everyone’s life richer.

Embracing these ideas opens our hearts to a selfless path. It guides us in how we treat people every day. By putting others first, we follow important teachings like “love your neighbor” and “the Lord is my shepherd.” These lessons help shape a loving community where everyone looks out for each other.

So let’s start this journey with open hearts—thinking of friends, family, even strangers—before ourselves. Following these Bible messages leads us toward a caring world where everyone feels valued.

FAQs

1. What does the Bible say about putting others first?

The Bible teaches to put others before yourself, highlighting the importance of considering the interests of others and showing love like Christ did.

2. Can you name a verse that talks about serving others?

Yes, “the vine” and “the good shepherd” passages illustrate how we should serve and care for one another, following our Lord’s example.

3. Who showed us how to prioritize others in the Bible?

Jesus is the prime example; He lived His life putting others first, even unto death, showcasing ultimate humility and love for humanity.

4. Why is it important to follow this teaching from Jesus?

Following Jesus’ teachings helps us grow closer to God by living out His commandments — loving Him and our neighbors as ourselves.

5. How can I apply these teachings in my daily life?

Start by seeking ways to help those around you, listen more than you speak, and show kindness without expecting anything in return.

6. Are there any stories or parables that emphasize this lesson?

Yes! The story of the Samaritan woman at the well demonstrates Jesus’ message of compassion towards everyone regardless of their background or past mistakes.