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).
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- 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.
- 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.'"
- 1 Peter 4:10-11
[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. [11] If any man speaks, let it be as it were oracles of God. If any man 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
[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. [14] For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
- 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."
- Luke 6:38
"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
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
But he who is greatest among you will be your servant.
- John 13:12-14
[12] 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? [13] You call me, 'Teacher' and 'Lord.' You say so correctly, for so I am. [14] 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
[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.'
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