How to Put Others First According to the Bible
When we hear “put others first,” it can sound like something sweet people say at church. But when it comes to real life? It’s not always easy.
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Since my mom had a stroke back in December 2022, I’ve been helping her every day. Some days, I’m tired. I’ve got my own house to run, three boys to take care of, and a never-ending to-do list. It’s easy to feel like her doctor appointments and needs just add more to my plate.
But then I remember Jesus’ example. He didn’t put Himself first. He humbled Himself and served others. He didn’t focus on His own interests, but on the needs of others. That’s the kind of heart I want to have, even when it’s hard.
God’s Word tells us to love others, to serve, to put others before ourselves. Not to be selfish or live for personal gain, but to reflect God’s love in our daily lives. That’s how we live out the Christian life, in the small, everyday choices.
So let’s talk about what the Bible really says about putting others first, how we can do it, what it looks like in real life, and how to teach it to our kids too.
What Does the Bible Say About Putting Others First?
One of the most powerful verses that sums up this idea is Philippians 2:3–4:
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but 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. -Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV)
Right there, we see how important humility is, the needs of others, and the call to lay down selfish desires or personal gain.
It’s a big difference from how the world usually works, chasing success, looking out for number one, trying to get ahead.
But the kingdom of God works in a different way.
Jesus’ teaching was always upside-down from the world’s way. He didn’t chase power, He came to serve.
He came “not to be served, but to serve,” (Matthew 20:28), and to give His life, the ultimate sacrifice, for us. His entire life is a lesson in putting others first.
Jesus’ Example: The Heart of True Love
When we look at Jesus’ example, we see what it means to love and serve well.
He washed the feet of His disciples, He fed hungry crowds, He healed physical needs, and He forgave the very people who hurt Him. He cared for the lives of others with a servant’s heart and showed us how to live in the very nature of a servant.
Jesus didn’t do these good works to get attention, He did them out of love.
The Son of Man showed us the fruit of the Spirit at work.
Ways We See “Putting Others First” in the Bible
One of the things I love about God’s Word is how it relates to us today.
The Bible doesn’t just give us a list of rules to follow, it gives us real people with real struggles who had to learn what it meant to put others ahead of their own wants.
These stories aren’t just nice Sunday School lessons. They’re full of honest moments, personal sacrifice, and deep faith, the same kind of hard work we’re called to in our daily lives.
The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37)
We all know the story of the Good Samaritan, but it’s one that never stops teaching.
A man is left hurting on the side of the road, and the ones you’d expect to help just walk past him.
Then comes someone from a completely different background and he stops. He sees the man’s physical needs and helps him! Even though it’s inconvenient, costly, and way outside his own personal interests.
This story is a perfect picture of the kind of compassion Jesus calls us to. Acts of kindness that go way past what’s easy or expected. It shows us that loving others, even strangers, is important.
Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38–42)
Then there’s Mary and Martha.
Martha is running around trying to serve Jesus and His disciples, setting the table, making the food, checking off her to-do list—while Mary just sits at His feet, soaking up every word.
Both sisters were doing good things, but Jesus pointed out that Mary had chosen what mattered most in that moment: presence over performance.
Sometimes putting others first doesn’t mean doing more. It means slowing down, listening, putting the phone down and being fully present. This story reminds us not to miss the heart of the moment.
Ruth (The whole book of Ruth)
Ruth’s story is one of my favorites.
She could’ve gone back to her old life after losing everything, but instead, she chose to stay with Naomi…. her mother in law! She left behind her homeland, her comfort, and likely her own dreams because she saw Naomi’s need and made it her own.
Ruth is such a beautiful example of what it looks like to put others first.
Nehemiah (Nehemiah 1–6 but especially chapters 1, 2, and 4)
Nehemiah is another powerful example.
When he saw the brokenness of Jerusalem, he didn’t just pray, he acted.
He gave up his own comfort and stepped into a hard situation to rebuild what had been lost. It wasn’t easy and It required sacrifice, leadership, and a deep concern for the well-being of others.
Nehemiah’s story reminds us that putting others first sometimes looks like showing up ready to work with sleeves rolled up, even when your own life is already busy.
Simple, Practical Ways to Put Others First Today
If you’re thinking, “Okay, but how do I actually do this in my daily life?”
You’re not alone. The good news is, God doesn’t expect us to be perfect!. He’s looking for hearts that are willing to say, “Not my own way, Lord, but Yours.”
Here are some practical ways to walk this out in your everyday life:
1. Listen
When someone’s sharing their heart, whether it’s your child, spouse, or friend, stop what you’re doing and really listen. This simple act of listening will help you connect with others when they need it most.
2. Be Quick to Encourage
Your words matter. A kind text, a thoughtful compliment, a “you’re doing great” to a tired mama, it all counts. These acts of kindness may seem small, but they count!
3. Meet Physical Needs When You Can
Does someone need a meal? A ride? A helping hand? These are the moments we get to live out the law of Christ, loving one another by meeting their needs.
Remember, the Good Samaritan didn’t just feel bad, he did something.
4. Put Someone Else’s Comfort Before Your Own
This can be really very simple. It might look like letting someone else go first in line or giving up the last slice of pizza. These good deeds often happen quietly but reflect the heart of Jesus.
5. Forgive and Let Go
This might be one of the hardest ways to put others first, especially when someone doesn’t deserve it. But the words of the Lord Jesus remind us: forgive, just as you’ve been forgiven. That’s true love.
But What About Balance?
Let’s talk about the whole issue of balance for a second, because putting others first doesn’t mean becoming a doormat or ignoring your own well being. Scripture never tells us to neglect our own needs.
Even Jesus rested. He stepped away from the crowd to pray. The power of the Holy Spirit helps us discern when to say yes and when to say no. Taking care of yourself allows you to serve from a full cup, not an empty one.
It’s not about living with selfish ambition, but about having the wisdom to know when to rest and when to give. That’s how we become good stewards of God’s grace.
How to Teach This to Our Kids (Toddlers to Teens)
One of the best places to start living this out is in our homes. Teaching our kids to put others first is a powerful way to shape their hearts for the kingdom of God.
For Toddlers + Preschoolers
- Model it – Let them see you helping others with joy.
- Use simple words – “We share because Jesus loves us and wants us to love others.”
- Praise the behavior – “You gave your toy to your brother, that was kind and loving!”
For Elementary-Aged Kids
Read Bible stories together – The stories of the Good Samaritan, Ruth, or Jesus washing feet are great starting points.
Role-play situations – “What can we do if someone feels left out at school?”
Serve together – Make cookies for a neighbor, help at church, or pick up trash at the park.
For Teens + Young Adults
- Have real conversations – Talk about selfish ambition vs. the interests of others.
- Challenge them – Ask how they can show the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ at school or work.
- Empower them – Remind them that small choices can have a big impact and reflect Jesus’ teaching in their world.
Related: Simple Youth Spiritual Gifts Test Printable
Whether they’re little or almost grown, our kids are watching how we treat people. When we raise them with hearts tuned to God’s love, we help them grow into compassionate, wise, and kind adults who reflect the name of Jesus in how they live.
What Does The Bible Say About Putting Others First
Final Thoughts On what the bible says about putting others first
Putting others first is about a daily choice to slow down, notice others, and reflect the love of our Lord Jesus Christ.
It’s about laying down our own personal wants and putting others first as much as we can.
It’s about leaning into the teachings of Jesus Christ and asking the Holy Spirit to guide us in becoming more like Him, kind, humble, generous, and full of grace.
And you know what? There’s great joy in this kind of life. It might go against the ways of the world, but it leads to something far better: Eternal life, deeper relationships, and the kind of peace that comes from living in tune with the heart of God.
Dear friends, let’s encourage each other to live this out in real, practical ways inside our homes, our churches, and our communities. Not to get attention, but for the glory of God and the good of those He’s placed in our lives.
Because at the end of the day, putting others first is one of the clearest ways we can point people to the goodness of God.
