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What does the Bible say about service to others?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that believers, freed by Christ’s grace, are called to serve others humbly and generously rather than seeking their own advantage. Jesus Himself is the supreme pattern, coming not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:44-45). Christians use their gifts as faithful stewards for one another (1 Peter 4:10), serving through love (Galatians 5:13) and doing all in Christ’s name (Colossians 3:17). Such service includes practical mercy toward the needy, whom Christ identifies with Himself (Matthew 25:35-40). God delights to refresh those who refresh others (Proverbs 11:25).

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Acts 20:35

    In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring you ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

  • Galatians 5:13

    For you, brothers, were called for freedom. Only don't use your freedom for gain to the flesh, but through love be servants to one another.

  • 1 Peter 4:10

    According as each has received a gift, be ministering it among yourselves, as good stewards of the grace of God in its various forms.

  • Matthew 20:28

    even as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

  • Mark 10:44-45

    [44] Whoever of you wants to become first among you, shall be bondservant of all. [45] For the Son of Man also came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

  • Matthew 25:35-40

    [35] for I was hungry, and you gave me food to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me drink; I was a stranger, and you took me in; [36] naked, and you clothed me; I was sick, and you visited me; I was in prison, and you came to me.' [37] "Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry, and feed you; or thirsty, and give you a drink? [38] When did we see you as a stranger, and take you in; or naked, and clothe you? [39] When did we see you sick, or in prison, and come to you?' [40] "The King will answer them, 'Most assuredly I tell you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'

  • Mark 9:35

    He sat down, and called the twelve; and he said to them, "If any man wants to be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all."

  • Colossians 3:17

    Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through him.

  • Proverbs 11:25

    The liberal soul shall be made fat. He who waters shall be watered also himself.

  • Mark 10:45

    For the Son of Man also came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

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