Overview
The Bible addresses unselfishness across 19 verses, drawn from the New Testament. These passages cluster most in 1 Corinthians, Romans and 2 Corinthians. Closely related themes include Selfishness, Self-Denial, Expediency and Commandments. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jesus.
Key Bible verses about unselfishness
New Testament
Romans
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; with: or, in the love of the brethren
We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
1 Corinthians
For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.
Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, vaunteth: or, is not rash
Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
2 Corinthians
For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:
And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
Philippians
People in the Bible and unselfishness
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying unselfishness for yourself
- Begin with Romans 12:10, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how 1 Corinthians, Romans and 2 Corinthians each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Jesus and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Selfishness, Self-Denial, Expediency and Commandments.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about unselfishness?
The Bible addresses unselfishness across 19 verses, drawn from the New Testament. These passages cluster most in 1 Corinthians, Romans and 2 Corinthians. Closely related themes include Selfishness, Self-Denial, Expediency and Commandments. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jesus.
How many Bible verses are about unselfishness?
The Bible references unselfishness in 19 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention unselfishness?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Romans 12:10: “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; with: or, in the love of the brethren”
Which people in the Bible are associated with unselfishness?
Jesus.
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