In a world that often encourages self-promotion and personal gain, the idea of putting others first can seem strange.
Many people focus on their own success, their own happiness, and their own needs.
But the Bible teaches something different.
God calls His people to live with kindness, humility, and selflessness.
Putting others first is not just a nice idea—it is a biblical command.
But what does that look like in everyday life?
Let’s explore what Scripture says about putting others first and how it can lead to a life of greater joy and purpose.
Jesus: The Ultimate Example of Putting Others First
The best example of putting others first is found in Jesus.
Throughout His life, He showed what it means to serve, love, and sacrifice for others.
One of the most powerful moments of Jesus’ humility is in John 13:3-5.
Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under His power, and that He had come from God and was returning to God.
So He got up from the meal, took off His outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around His waist.
After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around Him.
In those days, washing feet was the job of a servant, not a king.
Yet Jesus, the Son of God, chose to serve His followers in the most humble way.
He did not think of Himself as too important for the task.
Instead, He showed that true greatness comes through serving others.
In John 13:14-15, He told His disciples:
Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.
I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
Jesus wasn’t just teaching about kindness.
He was showing that true love is expressed through humble service.
Loving Others More Than Ourselves
The Bible is clear that love should be the motivation behind putting others first.
Philippians 2:3-4 gives a direct command.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.
Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
This is not just about being polite or doing occasional good deeds.
It is a call to live in a way that prioritizes others’ needs before our own.
It means choosing to listen instead of always talking.
It means giving up personal comfort to help someone in need.
It means forgiving instead of holding onto anger.
Romans 12:10 reinforces this message.
Be devoted to one another in love.
Honor one another above yourselves.
This kind of love is not based on convenience.
It is a daily choice to put others first, even when it is hard.
Serving Others Instead of Seeking Recognition
Many people serve when there is something to gain—recognition, praise, or even a sense of self-worth.
But the Bible teaches that true service should come from a heart that seeks to glorify God, not gain attention.
Matthew 6:1 warns against serving for the wrong reasons.
Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them.
If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
Serving others should never be about looking good or earning approval.
Instead, it should be done out of love, just as Jesus served without expecting anything in return.
Galatians 5:13 reminds believers of their calling.
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.
True service is about humility.
It is about doing what is right, even when no one is watching.
It is about choosing to be a blessing, not because of what we will get in return, but because it reflects the love of Christ.
Sacrificing for Others
Putting others first often means making sacrifices.
It may mean giving up time, comfort, or even personal desires to help someone else.
The Bible encourages this kind of sacrificial love.
1 John 3:16-18 speaks about real love in action.
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us.
And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.
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?
Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
True love is more than just saying nice things—it is shown through action.
It is being willing to give when it is inconvenient.
It is stepping in to help, even when it requires effort.
It is laying down personal desires for the sake of someone else.
Sacrificial love is not always easy, but it is always worth it.
Putting Others First in Daily Life
It is easy to agree with the idea of putting others first, but what does it look like in everyday life?
The Bible gives many practical ways to live this out.
Colossians 3:12-13 describes the attitude believers should have.
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 if any of you has a grievance against someone.
Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
These qualities help believers live in a way that puts others first.
Compassion means seeing the needs of others and responding with kindness.
Humility means not always insisting on being right or having things done our way.
Patience means being slow to anger and quick to listen.
Forgiveness means letting go of past hurts instead of holding grudges.
These are not just words—they are daily choices.
They show up in small moments, like choosing to let someone else go first in line, listening when a friend needs to talk, or forgiving a family member instead of arguing.
The Blessings of Putting Others First
Putting others first is not just about making the world a better place—it also brings blessings.
Proverbs 11:25 says:
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
When we serve others, we often find unexpected joy.
Helping someone in need, encouraging a friend, or showing kindness brings a deep sense of fulfillment.
Jesus also promised a blessing for those who live this way.
In Acts 20:35, Paul reminds the believers of Jesus’ words.
It is more blessed to give than to receive.
This does not mean that putting others first will always be easy.
Sometimes, it will feel hard or unnoticed.
But God sees every act of kindness, and He rewards those who live with love and generosity.
Living a Life That Reflects Christ
At its core, putting others first is about living a life that reflects Jesus.
Mark 10:45 sums up His mission.
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.
If Jesus, the King of Kings, lived a life of service, then His followers are called to do the same.
A life focused only on personal gain will always feel empty.
But a life spent loving, serving, and giving will be rich with purpose and joy.
Final Thoughts
The Bible makes it clear—putting others first is not just a good idea, but a way of life for believers.
Jesus set the ultimate example, showing that true greatness comes through humility and service.
Loving others, serving without seeking recognition, making sacrifices, and living with kindness are all ways to reflect God’s love.
Though it may not always be easy, putting others first leads to a life of deep joy and lasting impact.
In the end, the measure of a great life is not how much we take, but how much we give.