What the Bible Says About Caring for Others + Free Printable

Learn how the Bible encourages us to put others first and experience the joy of selfless love in our daily lives.

Today I’m sharing a different perspective from what the world would often have you believe. We’ll look at some Bible verses that talk about why it’s important to put others first – Bible verses about caring for others more than yourself.

I don’t know about you, but personally I’m tired of how these days every where you look we are encouraged to put ourselves first. I often give a lot of thought about what Jesus meant when he said, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” — John 15:13 (NIV)

Jesus is telling us that the greatest way to show love is by putting others first, even if it means making big sacrifices. Of course, we see Jesus literally lay down His life for us. But this verse applies to our day as well.

Laying down your life today could mean doing something kind for your husband, or standing up for someone when they’re being treated unfairly.

It’s about showing that you care deeply about someone by putting their needs and feelings ahead of your own. This verse reminds us that real love often means going out of our way to help others, just like Jesus did.

I used to always tell my kids, the world does not revolve around you. It might seem obvious to most of you, but I think the art of sacrifice has all but disappeared in modern society.

Now I’m not saying you shouldn’t take care of yourself. You need to take care of yourself. But there are times you should put other people’s needs ahead of your own.

So, let me remind you today, it’s important to think about other people before ourselves. The Bible teaches us to be kind and helpful to others, just like Jesus was. And that doesn’t only mean when it’s convenient for you or it feels good. Often sacrifice is hard and messy and exhausting.

5 Bible Verses About Putting Others First

These verses help us understand how being kind and putting others first can make us happier and bring us closer to God. Let’s learn together how we can follow these lessons and make a difference in the lives of people around us!

Caring for Others: A Biblical Perspective

The Bible offers a refreshing and counter-cultural perspective: caring for others more than yourself. This principle, deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus, encourages a life of selflessness, compassion, and service. I see so much beauty in the daily giving of sacrifice.

Let’s explore some Bible verses that highlight the importance of putting others first and how these teachings can transform our lives and relationships.

1. Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV)

“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 verse challenges us to set aside our ambitions and pride, urging us to value others more than ourselves. By focusing on the needs and well-being of others, we take on a spirit of humility and foster deeper, more meaningful connections with those around us. I like to always say, just love people. Humility keeps us grounded and gives us the strength we need to be selfless and kind.

2. Galatians 6:2 (NIV)

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

The call to carry each other’s burdens reminds us how important it is to offer empathy and support to people who are hurting. By sharing in the struggles and challenges of others (even in our own family), we demonstrate Christ’s love and compassion. This act of selfless care not only uplifts those who are struggling but also strengthens the bonds within our community and family.

3. Romans 12:10 (NIV)

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”

Paul’s letter to the Romans emphasizes the significance of love and honor in our relationships. Being devoted to one another means committing to the well-being of others, even when it requires sacrifice. Honoring others above ourselves reflects a Christ-like attitude, where we prioritize the needs and dignity of others over our own desires.

This weekend we had company – actually he arrived on Thursday morning. I had been down south of Atlanta, Georgia helping my mom after she’d had surgery and I didn’t get home to Kentucky until late Wednesday evening – like 11:30 pm.

We thought our guest was coming Thursday evening, but my husband received a phone call bright and early Thursday morning that Mr. Miller would be here in an hour. I was still asleep because I’d been up so late the night before.

My husband woke me up and told me the situation. Despite the fact that I was still sleepy, I got up and began to prepare for his arrival. I turned on the Roomba, went to change the sheets on the bed he’d be sleeping in, and otherwise prepare the house (keep in mind I’d been gone for a week and everything needed to be dusted and freshened through out the house).

Later on Wednesday I strained a tendon in the roof of my foot. It really hurt! Yes, I could have announced I was now out of commission and I know everyone would have understood. But I wanted to serve well out of kindness for our guest. I had invited others over for dinner on Friday night and I continued to push through the weekend, cooking, caring, and serving – all while hobbling along.

Our guest mentioned at different times how thankful he was to be there, how lonely he was, how no one ever came to visit him, how much he missed his wife, etc. He was such a lonely, elderly man. And I was able to minister to him through hospitality.

I don’t tell you this story to boast. Honestly, I couldn’t think of another story and this all just happened this week (I’ve been resting my foot for the last 24 hours). I’m just sharing how sometimes it’s the right thing to push aside your own needs in order to serve and love someone else.

You can be joyful in your service to others even when it’s hard.

4. John 13:34-35 (NIV)

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Jesus’ commandment to love one another as He loved us sets a high standard for selfless love. His sacrificial love is the ultimate example of putting others before oneself. When we love others in this way, we reflect Christ’s character and demonstrate our discipleship. This kind of love is a powerful witness to the world and draws people closer to the heart of God.

5. Matthew 25:40 (NIV)

“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.’”

In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the importance of serving others, particularly those who are vulnerable or in need. When we care for the least among us, we are, in essence, serving Christ Himself. This teaching challenges us to see the face of Jesus in everyone we encounter and to treat them with the same love and compassion we would show Him.

Remember that the Proverbs 31 woman stretches out her hand to the needy. I encourage you to seek God in His wisdom about how and when to put others before yourself.

Action Steps to Take Today

1. Pray and ask God to show you how you can best serve others before yourself in true humility.
2. Download the free printable prayer journal page below, if desired.
3. Think about your attitude toward sacrifice and see if you need to adjust your mindset.
4. Find ways today to put someone else first in love and look the joy in self-sacrifice.

Caring for others more than ourselves is a beautiful principle found throughout the Bible. These verses remind us that true fulfillment and joy come not from seeking our own interests but from serving and loving others.