Today we will talk about bible verses about putting yourself first. Many Christians may feel conflicted about this topic because the Bible often emphasizes selflessness and putting others before ourselves. However, we must remember that taking care of our well-being is essential for us to be able to serve others effectively. In this journey, God reminds us that caring for ourselves is not selfish; it’s part of a balanced, healthy life. As we meditate on these verses, let’s open our hearts and minds to the understanding that putting ourselves first is integral to our spiritual growth and ability to love others.
Bible Verses About Putting Yourself First
Understanding Self-Worth
In the journey of faith, we often find ourselves questioning our worth, especially when life throws its challenges at us. The Bible teaches us that we are uniquely created in God’s image, and recognizing our worth is the first step toward putting ourselves first. Embracing our identity in Christ gives us the confidence we need to prioritize our physical, emotional, and spiritual health. It’s crucial to remember that we need to love ourselves as God loves us; it allows us to extend that love outwards to others. Let us nurture and care for ourselves to shine brighter in our communities.
Psalm 139:14
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” – Psalm 139:14
1 John 3:1
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” – 1 John 3:1
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Isaiah 43:4
“Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life.” – Isaiah 43:4
Romans 12:3
“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
Prioritizing Your Spiritual Life
We often forget that our relationship with God is foundational to truly putting ourselves first. When we prioritize our spiritual life, we establish a solid grounding that helps us face life’s challenges. Seeking God’s guidance and peace gives us clarity in our decisions and strengthens our resolve. We encourage each other to carve out time for prayer, worship, and reflection. By nurturing our spiritual selves, we are better equipped to serve not only ourselves but also our family and friends.
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
James 4:8
“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” – James 4:8
Colossians 3:2
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” – Colossians 3:2
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rest and Renewal
In the hustle and bustle of life, we sometimes forget the importance of rest and renewal. God, in His wisdom, created the Sabbath as a day of rest, a principle that teaches us to take a break and recharge. We need moments of solitude and reflection to rejuvenate our minds and spirits. By embracing rest, we are acknowledging not only our own needs but also the divine order that exists in our lives. Let us encourage each other to take breaks and engage in activities that refill our souls, allowing us to be more present for ourselves and our loved ones.
Exodus 20:8
“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” – Exodus 20:8
Psalm 23:2-3
“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.” – Psalm 23:2-3
Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
Mark 6:31
“Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.'” – Mark 6:31
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
Mental Health Matters
As we grow in our faith, we also need to recognize the importance of our mental health. The Bible encourages us to fill our minds with things that are positive, true, and lovely. Each one of us has struggles, and seeking help when needed is a way of putting ourselves first. It’s not a sign of weakness but rather an acknowledgement of our humanity. Let’s remind one another to engage in healthy conversations, affirmations, and practices that uplift our mental well-being. Remembering that God cares for our minds as much as He does for our spirits is vital in our walk with Him.
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8
2 Timothy 1:7
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
Proverbs 12:25
“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” – Proverbs 12:25
Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
Romans 8:6
“The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” – Romans 8:6
Healthy Boundaries
Establishing healthy boundaries is a crucial part of putting ourselves first in a way that honors God and others. The Bible shares wisdom about the importance of setting limits. It can be challenging to say “no” when we’ve been conditioned to always help, but sometimes we must protect our time and energy. Boundaries help us to be our best selves and allow us to invest in what truly aligns with our purpose. Together, let’s embrace the strength that comes from saying “no” when we need to and creating space for self-care and fulfilling our commitments joyfully.
Galatians 6:5
“For each one should carry their own load.” – Galatians 6:5
Proverbs 4:23
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23
Matthew 5:37
“All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” – Matthew 5:37
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31
Proverbs 18:1
“An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends and against all sound judgment starts quarrels.” – Proverbs 18:1
Self-Compassion and Forgiveness
We are often the hardest on ourselves. The teachings of Christ remind us of the profound power of forgiveness, and that includes forgiving ourselves. By embracing self-compassion, we navigate our imperfections and extend grace just as God does. Understanding that everyone falters allows us to be gentle with ourselves. Let’s encourage one another to embrace our flaws and shortcomings, enabling us to put ourselves first by embracing who we truly are – perfectly imperfect. It’s essential to remember that we are worthy of love and grace, both from God and ourselves.
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
Matthew 6:14
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” – Matthew 6:14
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
Psalm 103:12
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” – Psalm 103:12
Proverbs 24:16
“For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.” – Proverbs 24:16
Serving with Joy
When we put ourselves first, we can truly serve others joyfully. It’s important to find that balance where our emotional and spiritual needs are met, allowing us to give from a place of abundance. The Bible emphasizes the joy that comes from helping others; however, we need to ensure we are spiritually nourished before extending ourselves. Together, let’s commit to serving our communities while also taking time for self-care. When we focus on our needs, we can better share God’s love with those around us.
Acts 20:35
“In everything, I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” – Acts 20:35
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
2 Corinthians 9:7
“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
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
Philippians 2:4
“Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” – Philippians 2:4
Sharing Love with Others
To put ourselves first means embracing love, not just for ourselves but for those around us. When we fill our hearts and lives with love, our capacity to give and serve increases. God calls us to love one another, demonstrating that we should extend the grace we receive from Him. Let’s collectively remind each other that love is not just a feeling; it’s an action we take towards friends, family, and even strangers. In doing so, we reflect the heart of God and invite others to experience His love through our lives.
1 John 4:19
“We love because he first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19
John 15:12
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” – John 15:12
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Romans 13:10
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” – Romans 13:10
Colossians 3:14
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:14
Gratitude and Contentment
Lastly, putting ourselves first involves cultivating gratitude and contentment in our lives. The Bible encourages us to give thanks in all circumstances, which is a powerful practice that shifts our focus from what we lack to what we already have. A heart full of gratitude can lead to a more fulfilling and joyful life, ensuring we recognize blessings both big and small. Let’s remind ourselves and each other to count our blessings daily, finding satisfaction in God’s provision, and deepening our connection with Him.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Philippians 4:11
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” – Philippians 4:11
Psalm 107:1
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” – Psalm 107:1
Colossians 3:15
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” – Colossians 3:15
James 1:17
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” – James 1:17
Final Thoughts
As we wrap up our exploration of Bible verses about putting ourselves first, it’s essential to remember that this journey leads us to a deeper understanding of self-worth, spiritual health, and love. By cultivating a healthy perspective on our needs, we establish a stronger relationship with God and a more profound ability to love others. Together, let’s strive to center our lives around God’s principles of balance, resting when necessary, and extending grace to ourselves and others. Let’s commit to supporting one another as we discover the beauty of prioritizing our spiritual, mental, and emotional well-being while loving those around us.
In this ever-busy world, we can become weary and lose sight of our own needs. But through these scriptures, we find encouragement to cherish ourselves, acknowledge our worth, and shine God’s light in our lives. May we continue to engage with God’s word, deepen our relationship with Him, and serve joyfully from a place of fulfillment. We are worthy of love, grace, and the chance to put ourselves first, and together, as a community, let’s celebrate this journey.
May God bless us all as we seek to lift ourselves and others with kindness, love, and unwavering faith.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4