One of the most radical teachings in Scripture is the call to put others before ourselves. In a world that often encourages self-promotion, self-care, and self-advancement, the Bible turns the spotlight in a different direction. It teaches that humility, servanthood, and selflessness are not signs of weakness, but marks of true spiritual strength. Jesus Christ, our perfect example, didn’t live for Himself. He poured out His life for others, not just in His death, but in how He walked among people—healing, listening, feeding, and ultimately laying down His life.
Putting others first is not about losing our identity or becoming invisible. It’s about seeing the people around us through God’s eyes. It’s about choosing kindness over convenience, and love over comfort. It’s the posture of a heart that’s surrendered to the Kingdom of God. When we prioritize others, we mirror Christ. And in doing so, we grow in compassion, patience, and grace.
This way of life isn’t always easy. It often demands sacrifice, especially when we feel unseen or underappreciated. But Scripture assures us that when we serve others, we serve Christ. These verses will help you understand and embrace the beauty of putting others before yourself.
Bible Verses About Putting Others Before Yourself
1. Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.
2. Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
3. Galatians 6:2
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
4. 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.
5. John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
6. Matthew 23:11–12
The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
7. 1 Corinthians 10:24
No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.
8. Luke 6:31
Do to others as you would have them do to you.
9. 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.
10. Hebrews 13:16
And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
11. Proverbs 3:27
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.
12. Matthew 5:41
If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.
13. 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.
14. James 2:15–16
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?
15. Colossians 3:12–13
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another.
16. 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.
17. Luke 14:11
For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
18. Proverbs 11:25
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
19. Isaiah 58:10
And if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness.
20. 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?
21. Romans 13:10
Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
22. Matthew 20:26–28
Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave.
23. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
24. Romans 12:13
Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
25. Ephesians 4:2
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
26. Galatians 5:13
Serve one another humbly in love.
27. Proverbs 19:17
Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.
28. John 13:14–15
Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.
29. Romans 14:19
Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
30. Philippians 2:4
Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
31. 1 Corinthians 13:5
Love is not self-seeking.
32. Matthew 6:3
But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.
33. Zechariah 7:9–10
Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor.
34. Job 29:15–16
I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame. I was a father to the needy.
35. 2 Corinthians 8:9
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
Our Thoughts On What the Bible Says About Putting Others Before Yourself
Putting others first is not about losing our voice or diminishing our worth. It’s about walking in the same humility that Jesus showed. The world teaches self-focus, but the kingdom of God exalts servanthood. When we prefer others in love, we imitate the heart of Christ, who knelt to wash feet and gave Himself for the least. This mindset requires grace and continual surrender. It means we resist pride, inconvenience, and even selfish desire to extend love in practical ways. It might be through patience, generosity, listening, or sacrifice. And while the world may not notice, God always does. He promises that those who humble themselves will be lifted. In putting others first, we don’t lose—we grow in faith, joy, and eternal reward. Let these Scriptures lead you to a heart posture that honors Christ and brings peace to others.
Say This Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for showing me what it means to love selflessly. Teach me to put others before myself, not to seek applause, but to reflect Your heart. Help me love without expecting anything in return. Show me how to serve my family, my neighbors, and even strangers with grace and compassion. Take away pride and replace it with humility. When it’s hard, remind me that You went first. I want to live a life that honors You by lifting others. In Your name I pray, Amen.