What is the Bible verse that says we should give to others before ourselves?
The Bible contains many verses that speak to the importance of generosity, compassion, and selflessness. One of the most famous of these verses is found in the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus teaches his disciples about the importance of putting others before themselves.
The verse, found in Matthew 20:28, reads as follows: "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." This statement is part of a larger conversation in which Jesus is addressing the question of who will be greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.
In this context, Jesus is emphasizing the importance of humility and service, and reminding his disciples that true greatness is not measured by power or authority, but by one's willingness to put the needs of others before one's own. By giving his life as a ransom for many, Jesus is demonstrating the ultimate act of selflessness, sacrificing himself for the sake of others.
This idea of selflessness and generosity is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, and is echoed in other verses as well. In the book of Philippians, for example, the apostle Paul writes: "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others" (Philippians 2:3-4).
Similarly, in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus teaches his followers to "give to everyone who asks of you, and from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back" (Luke 6:30).
These verses remind us of the importance of putting others before ourselves, and of the power of generosity and compassion to transform our lives and the lives of those around us. Whether through acts of service, charity, or simply taking the time to listen and be present with others, we can all strive to live out the teachings of Jesus and the Bible, and to make the world a more loving and just place.