The Bible’s stance on putting yourself first might surprise you. It’s a book that values humility, service, and love for others above self-interest. At its heart, the Bible suggests that true fulfillment and joy come from putting God and others before ourselves. This doesn’t mean neglecting our own needs but understanding that in God’s economy, selflessness leads to life’s richest blessings. Jesus modeled this life of service, showing that greatness in God’s kingdom is measured by how we serve.
Feeling intrigued? Dive deeper to explore how the Bible beautifully balances self-care with self-sacrifice, leading to a fulfilling and purposeful life.
What Does the Bible Say About Putting Yourself First?
In the realm of biblical teachings, the concept of putting yourself first is approached with a nuanced perspective. The Bible, especially the New Testament, emphasizes the importance of love, service, and humility, often counter to the world’s push for self-promotion and individualism. Jesus Christ’s life and teachings serve as the cornerstone for understanding God’s view on this matter.
Jesus taught that the greatest commandments are to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and to love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-39). This directive places a value on self-love but in a way that it balances and fuels our love for others and God, not overshadows it. The essence of Jesus’ teaching is that self-interest should not dominate our lives to the extent that it detracts from our ability to love and serve others.
Moreover, the Bible speaks to the concept of dying to self, which means putting aside selfish desires to follow Christ fully (Luke 9:23). This doesn’t advocate for self-neglect but calls for a reprioritization of our desires and actions to align with God’s will and the good of others. It’s about finding our life by giving it away in service to God and others, which paradoxically leads to true fulfillment and joy.
Philippians 2:3-4 encapsulates this ethos by urging believers to consider others better than themselves and look not only to their own interests but also to the interests of others. This mindset is contrary to a culture that often elevates self-interest above all else. The Bible does not condemn self-care or ensuring one’s own needs are met; rather, it frames such care within a broader context of caring for others.
Self-care in the biblical sense is about maintaining our temple—the body, mind, and spirit—so that we are fit to serve God and others. It’s allowed, even encouraged, but with the understanding that our lives are not meant to be lived in isolation or for self-gratification alone. Our blessings, gifts, and resources are seen as not just for our own benefit but for the blessing of others as well.
Bible Verses About Putting Yourself First
- Matthew 22:39: “And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” This verse suggests a balance between self-love and loving others, indicating that caring for oneself is not inherently wrong but should be balanced with altruistic love.
- Luke 9:23: “Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'” Jesus calls for a self-denial that is not about self-hatred but prioritizing following Him over personal desires and ambitions.
- Philippians 2:3-4: “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 passage clearly articulates the Bible’s stance on putting others first, emphasizing humility and concern for others.
- 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.” Here, Paul warns against using liberty as an excuse for self-indulgence, instead encouraging a life of service and love.
- 1 Corinthians 10:24: “No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.” This succinct verse emphasizes the importance of seeking the welfare of others as a priority over our own benefits.
- John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Jesus exemplifies the ultimate form of putting others first, highlighting that the highest form of love is self-sacrificial.
- Romans 12:10: “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” This encourages believers to prioritize the needs and honor of others, fostering a community of mutual respect and love.
- Matthew 20:26-28: “But among you, it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” This passage directly addresses the concept of putting yourself first by flipping it on its head. Leadership and greatness in God’s kingdom are defined by service and sacrifice, not by dominance or self-promotion.
- Philippians 2:5-7: “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” This emphasizes the attitude of humility and self-emptying that Jesus modeled, an attitude that believers are called to emulate.
- 1 John 3:16-18: “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.” This passage connects the concept of putting others first with practical expressions of love, challenging believers to go beyond mere words to sacrificial action.
Each of these verses contributes to a holistic understanding of the biblical perspective on putting yourself first. While the Bible acknowledges the importance of self-care, it places a greater emphasis on the virtues of service, sacrifice, and love for others. The teachings and life of Jesus Christ provide the ultimate example of this principle in action, showing that true fulfillment and the path to greatness in God’s eyes lie not in elevating ourselves but in lifting others up. This counter-cultural message invites believers to live out their faith in ways that prioritize the well-being of others, reflecting the heart of God in their daily lives.