Today we will talk about Bible verses about putting yourself first. Many Christians struggle with the idea of self-care, thinking it may seem selfish. However, the Bible encourages us to prioritize our well-being so we can genuinely help others. It’s not about neglecting our duties towards others; it’s about ensuring we are healthy, spiritually, emotionally, and physically, so we can better serve those around us. As we meditate on these verses, let us open our hearts to understand that taking care of ourselves can be a wonderful way to honor God and prepare ourselves for service. Let’s dive into these scriptures together and find encouragement!
Bible Verses About Putting Yourself First
Self-Care in Spirit
It is essential for us, as followers of Christ, to recognize the importance of nurturing our spirits. Self-care isn’t just a modern concept; it finds its roots in the scriptures. Taking the time to focus on our spiritual health helps us stay connected to God. When our spirits are uplifted, we can better serve and support those around us while inviting God’s presence in our lives.
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
1 Peter 5:7
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13
James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” – James 1:5
John 10:10
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” – John 10:10
Physical Well-being
Taking care of our physical bodies is an act of putting ourselves first. The Bible emphasizes the importance of our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. We must honor our physical health as a way to honor God and equip ourselves for service. When we prioritize proper rest, nutrition, and exercise, we create a foundation that allows us to give our best to others.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Proverbs 3:7-8
“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” – Proverbs 3:7-8
Proverbs 4:20-22
“My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.” – Proverbs 4:20-22
3 John 1:2
“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” – 3 John 1:2
Psalm 139:14
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” – Psalm 139:14
Setting Boundaries
Establishing healthy boundaries is essential for putting ourselves first. It shows that we recognize our needs and are not afraid to protect our peace. The Bible encourages us to practice discernment and to know when to step back, allowing us to recharge and come back stronger for our responsibilities and relationships.
Lamentations 3:22-23
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” – Lamentations 3:22-23
Ecclesiastes 3:1
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1
Galatians 6:5
“For each one should carry their own load.” – Galatians 6:5
Proverbs 25:17
“Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house— too much of you, and they will hate you.” – Proverbs 25:17
Luke 6:31
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” – Luke 6:31
Emotional Health
Emotional wellness is another aspect of putting ourselves first that the Bible encourages us to honor. Feeling our feelings and expressing them truthfully is essential in our walk. By understanding and nurturing our emotions, we create space for God’s healing and can better offer our support to others. It’s vital to acknowledge how we feel.
Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30
Proverbs 12:25
“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” – Proverbs 12:25
Psalm 42:11
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” – Psalm 42:11
Romans 12:15
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” – Romans 12:15
Seeking God First
Putting ourselves first can also mean prioritizing God above everything. When we do this, we align ourselves with His plans for our lives. It’s essential to develop a deep relationship with God as our well-being hinges on it. Each moment spent with God is an investment in our spiritual health and daily contentment.
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Psalms 37:4
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” – Psalms 37:4
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Isaiah 26:3
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” – Isaiah 26:3
Finding Joy
Putting ourselves first includes embracing joy in our lives. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit and is vital for our overall wellbeing. The Bible encourages us to rejoice and find happiness in our journey of faith. We should actively seek out moments that uplift us and fill our hearts with gratitude, thus nurturing our spirits.
Nehemiah 8:10
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10
Philippians 4:4
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” – Philippians 4:4
Psalms 16:11
“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” – Psalms 16:11
Psalm 118:24
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24
Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13
Community and Support
Being part of a community and seeking support is another way of honoring ourselves. When we feel loving support, we are better equipped to face life’s challenges. The Bible teaches us the significance of fellowship and how it serves as a source of encouragement in our lives, reminding us to invest in connections that uplift.
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10
Learning to Say No
Learning to say no is a crucial step in putting ourselves first. It enables us to focus on what truly matters and avoid overwhelming ourselves. The Bible reminds us that our time is precious, and we need to choose wisely in how we spend it, ensuring that our commitments do not overshadow our personal growth and health.
Proverbs 16:3
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” – Proverbs 16:3
Matthew 5:37
“All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” – Matthew 5:37
Luke 14:28
“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?” – Luke 14:28
Ephesians 5:15-16
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” – Ephesians 5:15-16
2 Corinthians 6:14
“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” – 2 Corinthians 6:14
Final Thoughts
In our journey of faith, we see that putting ourselves first is not selfish; instead, it is an essential act of caring for ourselves. By nurturing our spirits, physical health, emotions, and relationships, we create a strong foundation that enables us to serve others better. The Bible teaches us to prioritize our well-being so that we can be the light and blessings we are called to be in this world.
As we practice self-care through seeking God, establishing boundaries, and surrounding ourselves with supportive communities, we can foster joy and peace in our lives. Remember that we are all beautifully created for God’s purpose, and taking care of ourselves is stepping into that purpose with strength and grace.
Let us continue to grow in understanding how honoring our needs reflects our relationship with God and our capacity to love and serve others—and that is indeed fulfilling our call to put our relationship with God and ourselves first.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
