Putting others first is more than a nice gesture — it’s a lifestyle deeply rooted in Biblical teaching. In a world that often encourages self-promotion and personal gain, the Bible gently reminds us of the beauty and blessing of living with humility and compassion.
When we prioritize others, we reflect Christ’s love and honor God’s heart for community and service.
Whether you’re looking for encouragement, direction, or spiritual growth, the Bible is full of wisdom on how and why to put others first. These scriptures inspire us to live selflessly, lead with love, and care for one another genuinely.
Let’s explore 35 powerful Bible verses about putting others first, each offering a unique perspective and truth.
1. Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.
Explanation: Paul encourages believers to act with humility, putting others before themselves as a reflection of Christ’s attitude. This verse sets a foundation for Christian selflessness.
2. Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Explanation: This verse reminds us that love isn’t passive — it calls us to actively honor and uplift others, not seek our own glory.
3. 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.
Explanation: Christian freedom is not for selfish use but for serving others in love. Serving is a true expression of faith.
4. John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
Explanation: Jesus defines the highest form of love as sacrificial. Putting others first sometimes means great personal cost.
5. Matthew 20:26-27
Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave.
Explanation: In God’s kingdom, greatness comes through serving others, flipping worldly status upside down.
6. Ephesians 4:2
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Explanation: Humility, patience, and love are essential for putting others first and living in harmony.
7. 1 Corinthians 10:24
No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.
Explanation: This verse clearly teaches that our choices should consider the well-being of those around us.
8. 1 John 3:18
Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
Explanation: Real love is active and sincere — it’s seen in what we do for others.
9. Luke 6:31
Do to others as you would have them do to you.
Explanation: Known as the Golden Rule, this principle encourages fairness, empathy, and mutual respect.
10. Proverbs 3:27
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.
Explanation: When we’re able to help, we should. Putting others first often means acting without delay.
11. Hebrews 13:16
And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Explanation: God values our willingness to do good and share — these sacrifices are an offering to Him.
12. James 2:8
If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right.
Explanation: Loving others as ourselves is central to God’s law — it’s right living in action.
13. 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.
Explanation: Our talents and blessings are meant to benefit others, not just ourselves.
14. Proverbs 19:17
Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.
Explanation: Caring for others is seen by God as lending to Him — He honors generosity.
15. Matthew 22:39
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
Explanation: Loving others is second only to loving God — it’s a core commandment of Christian living.
16. Romans 15:1
We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.
Explanation: Strength is given not for self-service but to support those who are struggling.
17. Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Explanation: Living as God’s people means treating others with heartfelt love and humility.
18. Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Explanation: Our selfless actions point others to God and reflect His goodness.
19. Acts 20:35
It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Explanation: True blessing comes from giving — a call to generosity and selflessness.
20. 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.
Explanation: Compassion for others leads to spiritual renewal and God’s favor.
21. Luke 14:11
For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
Explanation: God lifts up the humble — those who live for others, not their own status.
22. Galatians 6:2
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Explanation: Supporting one another is not optional — it’s how we live out Christ’s love.
23. Mark 9:35
Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.
Explanation: Leadership in God’s eyes means being willing to serve everyone else.
24. Titus 3:14
Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.
Explanation: Doing good includes meeting others’ needs and staying active in love.
25. 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.
Explanation: God values justice, mercy, and care for the vulnerable — clear calls to prioritize others.
26. Job 29:15-16
I was eyes to the blind, and feet to the lame. I was a father to the needy; I searched out the cause of him whom I did not know.
Explanation: Job models how we can actively advocate for and assist those in need.
27. 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.
Explanation: Jesus gave up everything for us — the ultimate example of putting others first.
28. Micah 6:8
What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Explanation: God desires justice, mercy, and humility — all centered on how we treat others.
29. Matthew 6:1-2
Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them… when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets.
Explanation: Genuine kindness doesn’t seek praise. True giving is humble and quiet.
30. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Explanation: Encouragement is a powerful way to put others first and strengthen community.
31. Leviticus 19:18
Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge… but love your neighbor as yourself.
Explanation: Letting go of resentment and loving others is God’s path for peace and unity.
32. Romans 13:10
Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
Explanation: Loving others means never hurting them — it’s the core of God’s commandments.
33. Psalm 41:1
Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the Lord delivers them in times of trouble.
Explanation: God blesses those who care for the vulnerable — a powerful incentive to serve others.
34. Proverbs 22:9
The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.
Explanation: Generosity brings blessing, especially when we give to those in need.
35. Hebrews 10:24
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
Explanation: Encouraging others to do good is a form of love — helping them live their best in faith.
Final Thoughts: Living a Life That Puts Others First
These 35 Bible verses about putting others first remind us that selflessness is not just a moral idea — it’s a divine calling. The Bible continually encourages us to live lives of humility, compassion, and service. When we choose to prioritize others, we draw closer to God’s heart and become a light in the lives of those around us.
Take time today to reflect on these scriptures. Which verse speaks to you most right now? How might God be inviting you to serve someone else?
We’d love to hear from you. Share your favorite verse, a personal story, or how you’ve experienced the joy of putting others first in the comments below. Let’s encourage one another in faith and love.