Today we will talk about putting others first through the lens of the Bible. Many Christians may find it challenging to fully embrace this concept, which is fundamental to our faith. When we choose to prioritize the needs and concerns of others, we embody the spirit of Jesus’ teachings, fostering love, compassion, and understanding within our communities. As we dive into God’s Word, let’s allow it to guide us in understanding our role in uplifting one another. Get ready to discover how we can put others first together!
Put Others First Bible Verse
Love Your Neighbor
In the journey of faith, we are reminded of the significant role played by our neighbors. As Christians, the Bible instructs us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. This command is deeply rooted in the second great commandment, which states, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Prioritizing others in this way helps us to create a loving community that reflects God’s heart. By placing their needs above our own, we manifest God’s love and grace, showing the world that we truly care for one another.
Matthew 22:39
“And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” – Matthew 22:39
Mark 12:31
“The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” – Mark 12:31
Luke 10:27
“He answered: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” – Luke 10:27
Romans 13:9
“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
Galatians 5:14
“For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” – Galatians 5:14
Serve One Another
Serving one another is a vital aspect of putting others first, and it is central to the teachings of Jesus. When we serve, we prioritize the needs of those around us, inviting a spirit of humility and generosity into our lives. Acts of service can take many forms, whether it’s helping a friend, volunteering in our communities, or simply being there for someone in need. By adopting a servant’s heart, we grow in our relationships and deepen our connection to God. Let’s embrace the calling to serve as a way of prioritizing others, following Christ’s example.
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
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.” – Mark 10:45
Philippians 2:4
“Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” – Philippians 2:4
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
John 13:14
“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” – John 13:14
Encouraging One Another
Together, we can uplift each other through encouragement and support. Being there for one another, especially during challenging times, can have a profound impact on our communities. Our words hold incredible power, and using them to build each other up is essential in prioritizing others above ourselves. Encouragement fosters a nurturing environment where everyone feels valued and loved. Let’s make it our mission to inspire and cheer each other on as we strive to reflect God’s love in all that we do.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
Colossians 3:16
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly, as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” – Colossians 3:16
Ephesians 4:29
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” – Ephesians 4:29
Romans 15:2
“Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.” – Romans 15:2
Acts of Kindness
Engaging in acts of kindness toward others is a beautiful way to emphasize putting others first in our lives. Whether we help a stranger or show support to a friend, small acts of kindness, when multiplied, can change the world. The Bible has many reminders about the importance of kindness, urging us to demonstrate compassion towards everyone, especially those who may be less fortunate. In doing so, we not only bless others but also enrich our lives and experience God’s grace.
Proverbs 11:25
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” – Proverbs 11:25
Luke 6:31
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” – Luke 6:31
Matthew 25:40
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” – Matthew 25:40
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.” – Titus 3:14
Galatians 6:9-10
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” – Galatians 6:9-10
Forgiving One Another
Forgiveness is a key component in putting others first, and it’s an essential aspect of our faith. We all make mistakes, and offering forgiveness allows us to release burdens and foster healing in our relationships. The Bible teaches us to forgive, just as God has forgiven us, and by doing so, we create space for growth and grace in our lives. Letting go of grudges and promoting reconciliation helps us prioritize the needs and feelings of others. Together, let us commit to making forgiveness a regular practice in our lives.
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13
Matthew 6:14-15
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” – Matthew 6:14-15
Luke 17:3
“So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them.” – Luke 17:3
Mark 11:25
“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” – Mark 11:25
Sharing with Others
When we share with others—be it our time, resources, or talents—we embody the principle of putting others first. The Bible encourages us to be generous, as this reflects God’s nature and His love for humanity. Sharing creates a sense of community, reduces isolation, and allows us to witness the goodness of God in action. It’s a practical way of making a difference in the lives of others and cultivating a generous spirit within our hearts. Let’s embrace the gift of sharing as a means to prioritize the needs of 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
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
Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.” – Proverbs 19:17
Luke 6:38
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” – Luke 6:38
1 John 3:17
“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?” – 1 John 3:17
Being Humble
Humility is a hallmark of putting others first. When we choose to be humble, we acknowledge that we are all part of a greater family and that our needs are not more important than the needs of others. The Bible frequently speaks about the significance of humility, encouraging us to lay aside our pride and approach others with an open and willing heart. By being humble, we create an atmosphere of love, cooperation, and mutual respect. Together, let’s walk humbly, prioritizing the needs of others in our daily lives.
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
James 4:10
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” – James 4:10
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
Matthew 23:12
“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” – Matthew 23:12
Proverbs 22:4
“Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.” – Proverbs 22:4
Helping the Less Fortunate
Helping those who are less fortunate is a vital expression of our commitment to putting others first. The Bible emphasizes the importance of supporting and caring for those in need, whether through our time, resources, or simply sharing God’s love. By actively prioritizing the less fortunate in our thoughts and actions, we can be instruments of God’s grace and mercy in the world. As we come together to lift those around us, we create a ripple effect of kindness and support, illustrating the love of Christ for all humanity.
Proverbs 31:8-9
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” – Proverbs 31:8-9
Matthew 25:35
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.” – Matthew 25:35
Luke 14:13-14
“But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” – Luke 14:13-14
James 1:27
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” – James 1:27
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, and your night will become like the noon day.” – Isaiah 58:10
Final Thoughts
As we’ve explored the importance of putting others first, it’s clear that the Bible offers us profound wisdom on how to live this out. Through love, service, encouragement, kindness, forgiveness, sharing, humility, and outreach to those in need, we can reflect God’s love in our lives. Each verse encourages us to prioritize the needs of others, serving as a guiding light in our interactions. By making a conscious effort to put others first, we can create a community filled with compassion and grace, embodying the teachings of Jesus in every action we take.
Let’s carry these principles in our hearts and let them inspire our daily interactions. By continually striving to put others first, we not only bless those around us but also deepen our relationship with God. Together, we can be a light in the world, exemplifying the love and kindness that our faith calls us to practice.
Remember, putting others first is a journey that requires dedication and intention. As we grow in love and service, we become better versions of ourselves and make our communities stronger. Let us take these teachings to heart and embark on this journey together.
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