Putting others first is one of the hardest things about being a Christian. It’s called self-sacrificial love. When we put other needs first, we’re acting like Christ. But what does the Bible say about putting others first? Is this the best way to follow Jesus?
What Does the Bible Say About Putting Others First and Why Can’t We Follow It?
Unfortunately, putting others first isn’t in our nature. By birth, we’re kind of selfish. We always look to our own interests, instead of others. I attended mass last Sunday, and one of the things that the priest talked about was putting others first. Well, he was advising politicians to put others first instead of committing corruption. But if politicians around the world would heed his advice, our world would be a better place to live in. Unfortunately, that’s not how it works today. Nevertheless, it’s not too late for us yet to follow Christ and be as selfless as He is.
Where in the Bible Does It Say Putting Each Other First?
As living a Christian life, we’re called to live in a core principle of putting others first. If you need proof that we need to be selfless and not selfish, here are some Bible verses that illustrate how God wants us to look out for the well-being of others to reflect the heart of God.
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Paul explains that we need to stay away from our selfish ambition and vain conceit. Instead, we need to value others above ourselves through humility.
1. Philippians 2:3-4
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
I see this verse as a shift of focus. If we constantly worry about our own way, we live in fear that there’s not enough for us to share. However, when we start to trust our heavenly father He’ll take care of our needs, we can trust that God will take care of our needs while we take care of His people.
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“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourself.”
I’ve noticed that when I compare myself to others, like a friend, I can’t celebrate his/her promotion or success. However, the verse teaches us a different standard. When we put others first, we stop envying that person. Remember when the servant John said about Jesus that He must increase, and I must decrease. This is probably the best way to honor others. It’s like giving away your best seat to an elderly person on a train, despite you being tired from work.
“No one should seek their own way, but the interests of others.”
Today, we’re currently living in the “me-first” culture. The verse is actually Paul talking to people arguing about their rights to eat some foods. I remember an ad on YouTube about a person giving up his piece of fried chicken and giving it to a child who was asking for alms on the street. I asked myself if I could do it, too. Probably, yes or probably no, depending on my situation.
However, if we try to re-examine the verse. God wants us to be a blessing to others. Even if that person in the ad was too hungry, he still gave that piece of chicken to the kid. He’s imitating the Son of Man who gave up everything to save us.
When I was still a little kid, I remember my mother giving me a huge portion of her food because I was too hungry from school. That was a mother’s love. Selfless and not selfish. It’s like Jesus.
4. Galatians 2:20
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
This verse is the secret method of loving others and meeting their needs first. It’s like swapping your life with God. The old you has taken over by Christ Jesus. Think of Ratatouille. The movie involves the chef, Linguini, and the rat (Remy). Linguini doesn’t actually know how to cook. I mean, he could cook, but not as well as the rat. Remy, the little chef, lives under Linguini’s hat. He was pulling all the strings.
If you let God live in you, you’re allowing his hand to direct you to perform good works you couldn’t do on your own.
5. Acts 20:35
“In all things I have shown you that my working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
When the Twin Towers were struck, thousands of people were injured and trapped. But in the middle of all the chaos, police officers, emergency workers, and firefighters ran toward the danger. They knew that the buildings might collapse. But that didn’t stop them from helping strangers. Although it’s part of their job, they could just walk away. But they chose to stay and help the injured. In fact, hundreds of first responders lost their lives that day. They did it out of selfless love and greater love for the kingdom of God. Their giving saved countless lives. They put the needs of others first as taught in the word of God.
Those who gave said that it helped them survive the trauma. The pain remained in them. But it brought meaning and true love into their lives.
The people who lost their lives are good stewards of God because they helped others escape the suffering produced life, hope, and unity for others. This is a perfect example of helping the weak. God wants us to choose others over ourselves. It might be costly. But providing help to those who truly need it is a transformative and ultimate sacrifice.
How to Put Others Before Yourself in this Modern World?
1. Opt for Humility and Not Self-Promotion
The importance of humility is central to our Christian life. In the form of God, Jesus took on human form to be the form of a servant. He chose to have a humbling mind in a culture focused on image and influence. It can be difficult. However, if we only reflect on the will of God, we might find true strength in becoming humble.
2. Value Others
Every person matters to God. No matter how evil that person is, God still values that person. That’s why we have to value others, as it’s rooted in the love of God. You might hate one of your family members or coworkers. But you need to show genuine care and genuine concern. Doing so is a reflection of God’s love. You’re allowing yourself to shine in ordinary moments. It doesn’t matter whether or not people appreciate it.
3. Live by the Golden Rule Every Day
“Treat others as you want to be treated.” This is Jesus’ golden rule. It’s also the only way to find lasting peace in our daily lives. When you follow this principle, it’ll be easy for you to speak with humility, manage conflict, and show patience.
4. Meet Physical Needs
It means sharing your meals with others, helping them with childcare, or assisting them financially with material possessions. These are all acts of service that show faith in action. God is pleased with such sacrifices.
5. Serve Quietly
When you help others, don’t announce it on social media. No one wants to know that you’ve donated $100 to your poor neighbor or that you bought groceries for your coworkers. Greatness is found in service, but you must do it in silence. When you do support other church members or your coworkers, don’t expect recognition. Just serve quietly and with all your heart. God will reward you silently. He won’t announce it, but you’ll get it eventually.
6. Put Love Above Recognition
Without love, we don’t gain anything. We must remember to refocus on what matters most, and that is the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and not applause or status or likes on social media.
7. Follow Christ’s Example During Hardship
When you’re facing difficulty, it’s hard to put others first. For instance, when you’re grieving or in financial trouble, it can be difficult to help others. However, this is actually the best time and way for you to escape from selfishness. Instead, enable your compassion even when you’re also suffering. If it’s the last $100 you have, but your friend needs it most, just give it. You’ll never know what will happen to you. But when you put others first, something great always happens.
8. Be Present and Faithful
You may think that each act of love needs to be dramatic. However, there are other simple ways to show you are putting others first. When you’re about to pay, and someone asks if he can go first as he’s in a hurry, let him. Whether or not it’s true that he’s in a hurry, letting him pay first may have a positive outcome in your life. Whatever that outcome may be, it’s a gift from God for showing Him you’re putting others first.
9. Give Generously
Generosity would have a positive outcome, and in good measure. It may not always be material, but it can also be spiritual. When you give your time to others, such as babysitting your nephew or a friend’s baby while she’s having an interview, this can lead to good things that can last beyond this life. Perhaps your friend got accepted, and it’s a high-paying job. She might buy you a Chanel bag or perfume, or whatever. Again, when you give generously and without asking in return, God will also provide for you.
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Being Taken Advantage of: What to Do
It’s one of the things that I hate when I put others first. Sometimes, people think that because you’re always generous, they can just ask you for anything at anytime. I know a lot of people who are just using others. My cousin, for instance, always puts others first. Her boyfriend of five years took advantage of her. He kept on asking for money from her. When he needed her, she’d always be there, no matter how busy her schedule was. But the guy was a grifter. Thankfully, they broke up.
I’m not trying to compare my cousin to Jesus. But her experience was similar to Jesus. The Son of God always put others first. But he, too, was taken advantage of. He healed those who abandoned Him. He fed crowds who sought miracles. But he was still crucified.
It wasn’t weakness. He knew that people were only taking advantage of His greatness. But he did those acts anyway. The reason for this is that He was doing it not for the approval of people but for God’s approval. His humility was intentional. It’s obedience to God and not ignorance.
Is It the Same as Being Defeated?
Putting others first doesn’t mean that you don’t have boundaries. Remember that when you love someone, and it’s guided by the Holy Spirit, it always includes discernment. The Scripture teaches us balance. To give with wisdom. Humility with truth. Compassion with clarity. Christ calls us to bear burdens and not to enable sin and abuse. Always remember that serving and surrendering responsibility are two different things.
Now, you may ask who will protect you if you give too much. I know my cousin asked this question many times. The answer is not about being more careful. Instead, it’s more about trusting God more deeply. Scripture is telling us that God sees everything. He’s not blind to the injustices in this world. When you still choose to love despite being taken advantage of, you must still trust Him for the outcome. It can be difficult when you lend a huge amount of money to someone. But if that person needs it and your heart is pure, you’ll get an outcome you won’t expect. It can be that the amount of money will be doubled, or it will save someone’s life.
It’s important to note that when you’re taken advantage of, it doesn’t mean that it cancels obedience. Remember that obedience isn’t measured by results. Rather, it’s measured by faithfulness. You may support other people, and you know that some of them might abuse your generosity. But do it anyway because God’s judgment matters most. You must imitate Christ. He endured betrayal and imprisonment. He did it not because He liked it but because He wanted to obey God. His obedience to God is what mattered more to Him than His personal comfort. He knew that when He followed God’s will, no matter how difficult it was, he would be rewarded in the end.
In The Dark Knight, Batman was misunderstood. There was a scene in which he was blamed for a crime committed in the city. Indeed, he was taken advantage of by the city he serves. But he still persists. His mission is more important to him than recognition.
Humility doesn’t mean you avoid pain. Rather, it only means your action aligns with Christ. A humble mind tells you that imitating Jesus may involve sacrifice and vulnerability. But humility isn’t passive. Rather, it is anchored in the fear of the Lord and not fear of people. It also chooses obedience even when outcomes are not certain.
Does It Mean You Have to Say Yes Always?
Putting others first doesn’t always mean you have to say yes all the time. Remember that love, too, requires distance and boundaries. Protecting your capacity to love isn’t selfish. Rather, it’s stewardship. You can say no if you really have to. That is, if you’re not capable of helping anymore because of a certain circumstance, God will understand it.
Following Christ is indeed a difficult subject. That’s because some people aren’t genuine. They’ll just take advantage of the goodness of others. However, when you ask for His guidance. Always trust God with outcomes. Choose faith over fear. Follow Christ’s example, even when it costs you. Remember that, in the end, the question is not whether your kindness was misused but whether you remain faithful to Him who gave up everything so we can have eternal life.
Obedience to God
What does the Bible say about putting others first? In general, it talks about following Christ’s example when you put others first before your own needs. It’s calling us to love intentionally. It’s risky to follow Christ. But choosing love allows our light to shine. It also produces eternal fruit. God’s way may be difficult. However, it’s always worth following.
Jane is a Roman Catholic on a journey of re-learning about God and deepening her understanding of the Bible. She has over a decade of experience as a copywriter. Her goal is to blend her passion for writing with her spiritual journey. She writes content that doesn’t just uplift but also connects with people who wish to seek a deeper understanding of God’s word. Follow Jane on LinkedIn or Instagram.
