We've always said in our family: "We are for each other." We are for our kids, as much as we love them all differently with their different traits and ways about them. We are for each other as spouses. The truth is we don't always get it right, but in our family and our group of closest friends this maxim holds us together. We are for each other. We support one another and hold each other up, even call each other to greatness.
God designed us for community, for connection, and for selflessly serving one another. This isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a cornerstone of healthy living. In a world that often celebrates individualism and self-reliance, the call to be for one another is both countercultural and deeply healing.
The Bible is rich with examples and teachings that illustrate the beauty and necessity of living for others. As Christians, we’re called to reflect Christ’s love by putting others’ needs before our own, trusting that God works through acts of service to transform us as the humble giver. Let’s explore this principle and see how Scripture lights the way.
The Biblical Foundation of Selfless Service
The Apostle Paul echoes this in Galatians 5:13: “Serve one another humbly in love.” He reminds us that our freedom in Christ isn’t for self-indulgence but for serving others. This selfless service isn’t just good theology—it’s good for our souls. When we step outside ourselves to lift others up, we experience the joy and peace that come from living as God intended.
Biblical Examples of Living For One Another
Scripture offers countless stories of people being for one another, showing us what this looks like in action:
1. Ruth and Naomi (Ruth 1): After losing her husband, Ruth could have returned to her own people and started over. Instead, she chose to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi, declaring, “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16). Ruth’s loyalty and selflessness not only sustained Naomi but also placed Ruth in God’s redemptive plan, as she became an ancestor of Jesus. This is a powerful picture of choosing to be for someone else, even at personal cost.
2. Jonathan and David (1 Samuel 18-20): Jonathan, the son of King Saul, had every reason to see David as a rival. Yet, he chose friendship over ambition. He protected David from Saul’s wrath, even risking his own standing (1 Samuel 20:30-33). Jonathan’s selflessness—putting David’s safety above his own interests—models what it means to be for another in loyalty and love.
3. The Early Church (Acts 2:44-45): After Pentecost, the believers “were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.” This radical generosity wasn’t forced—it flowed from hearts transformed by Christ. They were for one another, ensuring no one went without, and their unity became a testimony to the world.
Why This Matters Today
I’ve seen the toll of isolation and self-focus. People come burdened by broken relationships, loneliness, or the weight of trying to “do it all” on their own. The antidote isn’t more independence—it’s interdependence rooted in Christ-like love. When we selflessly serve others—whether through a listening ear, a helping hand, or a shared burden—we reflect God’s heart and find healing ourselves.
Psychologically, this aligns with what we know about human flourishing. Studies show that acts of kindness and community involvement reduce stress, increase happiness, and foster resilience. But as Christ followers, we don’t serve others just for our own benefit. We do it because it’s who we’re called to be—image-bearers of a God who is for us (Romans 8:31).
Living It Out
So, how do we live this out in our daily lives? It starts small. Bring a meal to a struggling neighbor. Pray with a friend facing a tough decision. Call someone who you know is hurting. Volunteer your time instead of guarding it jealously. I’ve seen people grieving a loss find purpose by mentoring others, or those battling anxiety discover strength by checking in on a loved one. In serving others, they uncover resilience they didn’t know they had.
Selflessly serving one another isn’t just biblical—it’s essential for healthy living. It’s how we grow, heal, and thrive. The Bible shows us the way, from Ruth’s devotion to the early church’s generosity. Today, let’s commit to being for one another, trusting that God will use our love to change lives—starting with our own.