What does the Bible say about serving others?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that believers, saved by grace and united to Christ, are called to serve others humbly and generously for God’s glory. Jesus came not to be served but to serve and give His life for many, making His self-giving love both our salvation and our pattern (Matthew 20:28). God gives each Christian gifts to steward for the good of others, relying on His strength so that He receives the praise (1 Peter 4:10-11). Love expresses itself in practical service, generosity, hospitality, and care for those in need (Galatians 5:13-14; Matthew 25:35-40). Such service is not a way to earn God’s favor, but the grateful fruit of faith and the path of true greatness in Christ’s kingdom (Mark 9:35; John 13:12-14).
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- 1 Peter 4:10 7 votes
As each has received a gift, employ it in serving one another, as good managers of the grace of God in its various forms.
- Acts 20:35 5 votes
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.’”
- 1 Peter 4:10-11 4 votes
As each has received a gift, employ it in serving one another, as good managers of the grace of God in its various forms. If anyone speaks, let it be as it were the very words of God. If anyone serves, let it be as of the strength which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
- Galatians 5:13-14 3 votes
For you, brothers, were called for freedom. Only don’t use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love be servants to one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
- Matthew 20:28 3 votes
even as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
- Luke 6:38 2 votes
“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be given to you. For with the same measure you measure it will be measured back to you.”
- Mark 9:35 2 votes
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.”
- Matthew 23:11 2 votes
But he who is greatest among you will be your servant.
- John 13:12-14 2 votes
So when he had washed their feet, put his outer garment back on, and sat down again, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call me, ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord.’ You say so correctly, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.
- Matthew 25:35-40 2 votes
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. I was naked and you clothed me. I was sick and you visited me. I was in prison and you came to me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a drink? When did we see you as a stranger and take you in, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and come to you?’ “The King will answer them, ‘Most certainly I tell you, because you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
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