Bible Verses About Serving Others
Scripture calls on us to serve others, just as Jesus did. One of the clearest examples of this is found in Matthew 20:28, which says, “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” If the King of Kings humbled Himself to be a servant, what does that imply that we should do?
Similarly, in Romans 12:10-11, Paul encourages believers to “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” This verse calls on Christians to not just serve those in need, but to also be willing to go above and beyond for those around us.
Finally, one of the more popular bible verses about serving others, Galatians 5:13 gives us a reminder that serving one another should be done out of love and not for our own gain. It says, “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” This verse reminds us that true service should come from a place of selflessness and not selfish desires.
When we serve others, it is an act of worship that honors God. Our service should bring glory to Him and show the world around us what it means to be true followers of Christ.
Quotes about Serving Others
Serving Others in the Bible
1 Peter 4:10
As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others,as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.
As Christians, we are called to use our gifts and talents for the glory of God. This is made clear in 1 Peter 4:10.
We have been blessed with certain abilities and talents to use for the good of others in service to the Lord. This can look different for everyone, but it is our responsibility as believers to use what we have been given wisely and graciously.
By helping others through our gifts and resources, we are honoring God and showing our commitment to His will.
Luke 22:26-27
26 But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.
27 For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.
26 But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.
26 But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. 27 Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves.
26 But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. 27 For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.
In Luke 22:26-27, Jesus instructs His disciples to lead by example and serve one another humbly. He teaches them that the greatest among them will be the servant of all–that those who seek power over others are not worthy of leadership.
By following Jesus’ words, we can learn a great deal about being humble and leading with integrity. In doing so, we show others how to be humble, generous, and loving. We demonstrate how to treat people with respect and kindness. When we lead on these principles, we inspire those around us to do the same.
We should strive to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and follow His example of love, compassion, integrity, and service.
Matthew 20:28
Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
In Matthew 20:28, Jesus teaches us that true greatness lies not in leading or ruling over others, but in serving them. This reminds us that the greatest act of leadership we can do is to serve our fellow man and make their lives better.
We should strive to elevate and empower those we lead, not to dominate them. We should use our power and influence for good, to uplift and encourage those around us.
By serving others with Christ-like humility and selflessness, we can truly demonstrate the love of Jesus. We are His hands and feet.
Romans 12:6-8
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
Romans 12:6-8 encourages us to use our gifts and talents for the benefit of others. We are called to use our spiritual gifts with humility and fervor, so that we can serve those around us with joy. As believers, it is our duty to exercise our faith in order to bless and edify one another. We are to share our gifts and use them with love so that others may be blessed and uplifted.
It is important to recognize that no two believers have the same exact gifts. God has provided each of us with unique abilities which should be used for His glory. Therefore, we are called to identify our spiritual gifts and use them for the benefit of others in accordance with God’s will. We should never be ashamed or shy away from using our spiritual gifts, but instead embrace them and use them to further His kingdom.
God has called us to step out in faith and shine as lights in this world, spreading the gospel and helping those around us through the gifts He has given us. As we strive to be living sacrifices for Him, may we always remember that our spiritual gifts are not meant to bring glory to ourselves, but rather to Him who gave them. May our lives be a testament of His love as we use our gifts to bless and encourage one another in Christ’s name.
Ephesians 6:7 says to “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people.” This verse encourages us to show respect and serve with a sincere heart even when the task at hand may be difficult or challenging. By carrying out our daily tasks with an attitude of service to God, we can ensure that our work is done to the best of our abilities and with a sense of purpose.
It is important to remember that our efforts, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem, are an expression of love and devotion to God. We can strive every day to serve Him faithfully and wholeheartedly, trusting in His guidance and grace as we go about our work.
Through this attitude of service, we can experience joy and fulfillment in the knowledge that our efforts are pleasing to Him.
Romans 12:10-11
10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.
The Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 12:10-11 of the importance to love one another with brotherly affection.
This does not mean that we should put ourselves before others or seek our own glory. Rather, it means that we should strive to show respect and kindness towards those around us, serving our brothers and sisters in Christ ahead of ourselves.
Hebrews 1:14
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?
Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
Therefore, angels are only servants—spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation.
Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?
This verse speaks about the service of angels. It is a reminder that angels serve us, providing aid in our lives and helping us on our journey towards salvation.
Therefore, let us serve others with humility and thankfulness, understanding that we serve the same purpose as angels: to serve in order to bring about God’s will.
1 Peter 4:11
If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.
Whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:11 is a reminder to serve with an attitude of humility and grace, understanding that it’s not through our own strength or power that we serve, but through the strength of God.
This verse encourages us to serve from a place of joy and gratitude, knowing that it is ultimately for God’s glory and not our own.
As believers in Jesus Christ, we are called to serve others with diligence, love and compassion.
Galatians 5:13-14
13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
13 For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. 14 For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Galatians was written by the Apostle Paul as part of his epistle to the Galatian Church. In this letter, he emphasizes living by faith. He urges them to be mindful of their freedom in Christ and not to submit themselves to legalistic rules that can bring spiritual bondage.
Additionally, he reminds them that if they keep in step with the Spirit, they will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Paul’s reasoning is that if they keep in step with the Spirit, they will be able to find true freedom and fulfillment.
In this sense, it is a call to live according to the grace of God. Galatians 5:13 serves as an important reminder that we need to serve one another in love and faith, not through the enslavement of rules and legalism. In this way, we can truly experience the freedom that Christ has promised us.
1 Peter 5:2-3
2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock.
2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
2 Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. 3 Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example.
2 Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.
We must also remember that we are not to be domineering over those we are leading, but rather to serve as examples that they can follow. It is crucial to remain humble and faithful servants of God in order to effectively tend his flock. This is the kind of leadership we should strive for.
Whatever role of leadership we come into, it is not about ourselves or our own gain, but it is about allowing God to work through us so that we can lead his people and help them to stay on the right path.
We are called to be humble in our leadership, whatever it is, and demonstrate a life of service that others may follow. By doing so, we will be able to fulfill the role God has given us in a way that honors and glorifies him.
Mark 9:35
And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, “If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.“
Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”
He sat down, called the twelve disciples over to him, and said, “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.”
And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.”
Jesus taught this lesson to His disciples when He said, “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.” (Mark 9:35). In other words, we must always strive to put others before ourselves. We must serve one another with kindness, love, and humility if we are to truly follow in Christ’s footsteps.
Through service, we can share God’s love and grace with those around us. We demonstrate His mercy when we help others in need and extend a helping hand to those who are struggling. Offering selfless service is a great way to glorify God and contribute to His kingdom.
We must always remember that serving one another is more than just an act of kindness; it is a call from God. By humbling ourselves, we can bring glory to His name and serve as vessels for His love in the world.
2 Corinthians 4:5
For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.
For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.
You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake.
For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.
This verse speaks of our duty to serve God faithfully and humbly. We are called to put His will ahead of our own and use our lives to glorify Him.
Philippians 2:6-8
6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
6 Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
6 Though he was God,
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
7 Instead, he gave up his divine privilege;
he took the humble position of a slave
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
8 he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
6 Who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
We can learn from the example of Christ, who was God, but humbled himself even to death on the cross. Only by recognizing our own weaknesses and imperfections and having a humble attitude can we fully understand God’s mercy and love.
We must remember that even though we are God’s children, we still have much to learn from Him and His example. Only by humbling ourselves can we realize the greatness of our Lord.
We should strive to imitate Christ’s example of service in our everyday lives. We can do this by being God-focused and others-focused.
Colossians 3:23-24
23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
23 Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. 24 Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.
23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
Here we are reminded that our labor should flow out of our love for and service to the Lord, not just because someone else is paying us or asking us to do something. We should work with diligence and excellence, knowing that it is ultimately for His glory.
Our work should be done with a sense of joy and celebration, as if we are offering Him our best. As we serve others in the workplace and other capacities, not only will products be made or services rendered, but we can also offer hope and love to those around us through our attitudes and behaviors.
In this way, the work we do can have an even greater impact than the tasks we are assigned. May our labor be to the Lord and be done with dedication, enthusiasm, and joy!
John 15:12-13
12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. 13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
12 This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
These verses remind us that true love requires sacrifice and selflessness. It means putting others before ourselves, even if it means giving away something precious such as our lives.
To show true love, we must be willing to give of ourselves, and that requires strength and courage. This is the kind of love God calls us to show – a love that never fails and that always perseveres. A love so strong that it can stand up in the face of evil and injustice. A love that will always stand by us, no matter what life throws our way.
This is the kind of love Jesus showed us when he gave his life for ours. It’s a reminder to all of us that we too can show this same kind of unconditional love to one another. We must strive to be more like Jesus in our love for each other, and so fulfill God’s commandment to us.
