Altruism is defined as the principle or practice of selfless concern for the well-being of others. The Bible has much to say about altruism and how followers of God should treat others. Here is an overview of some of the key biblical teachings on altruism:
Love Your Neighbor
One of the most well-known teachings on altruism in the Bible comes from Jesus in Matthew 22:39 when he says “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” This command to love others as much as you love yourself is found throughout the New Testament (Mark 12:31, Luke 10:27, Galatians 5:14, James 2:8). Loving and caring for others, no matter who they are, is a core part of following Christ.
The Golden Rule
Along with the command to love your neighbor is the related teaching known as the Golden Rule. Jesus said in Matthew 7:12 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” This exhortation to treat others the way you would want to be treated encourages altruism and not selfishness.
Putting Others First
The Bible frequently emphasizes putting the needs and interests of others above your own. Philippians 2:3-4 says “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.” Romans 12:10 also tells believers to “outdo one another in showing honor” and to be devoted to meeting each other’s needs (Romans 12:13).
Generosity and Giving
Generosity and charitable giving are commended throughout Scripture as ways to demonstrate love and concern for others. Jesus praised the poor widow who gave two small coins, saying her gift was greater than the large donations of the rich because she gave sacrificially of her poverty (Mark 12:41-44). The early church shared possessions and resources so that no one was in need (Acts 2:44-45, Acts 4:32-35). Paul frequently organized collections from churches to help the poor in Jerusalem (1 Corinthians 16:1-4, 2 Corinthians 8-9, Romans 15:25-28).
Serving One Another
The New Testament contains numerous “one another” verses urging Christians to serve, care for, forgive, encourage, and build up fellow believers. Verses like Romans 12:10, Romans 15:7, Galatians 5:13, Ephesians 4:2, Ephesians 4:32, 1 Thessalonians 5:11, and 1 Peter 4:9 all call for altruistic actions towards others in the church. As Jesus washed his disciples feet as an example of servanthood (John 13:1-17), Christians are to humbly serve one another.
The Good Samaritan
Jesus’ famous parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) gives a vivid illustration of selfless concern for others. When the priest and Levite ignore the man dying on the road, it is the Samaritan – supposedly an enemy – who stops to help. Jesus commands His followers to show mercy as the Samaritan did, caring for any person in need regardless of social labels or distinctions.
Being a Living Sacrifice
In Romans 12:1, Paul urges Christians to offer their bodies as “a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.” He goes on to say they should not think of themselves more highly than they ought, but use their gifts to serve others (Romans 12:3-8). Like Jesus gave His life for many, believers are called to lay down their lives in service for others and the gospel.
The Example of Jesus
Of course, the greatest example of altruism in the Bible is Jesus Christ Himself. Though being God, He humbled Himself, took on human flesh, and came to serve and give His life as a ransom for many (Philippians 2:5-8, Mark 10:45). His sacrificial death on the cross to pay for sins exhibits the highest form of altruism. As 1 John 3:16 states “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.”
Loving Enemies, Doing Good
Jesus took altruism even further by commanding His followers to love enemies, not just neighbors. In Matthew 5:43-48, He said to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” and to be perfect as the Heavenly Father by showing love to both good and evil people. Romans 12:17-21 also says to repay evil with good, giving food and drink even to enemies. Such love goes beyond normal altruism.
Caring for the Poor and Oppressed
Concern for the poor and social justice is a theme found throughout the Bible. Laws in the Old Testament mandated provisions for the poor and foreigner (Leviticus 19:9-10, Deuteronomy 24:19-22). The Psalms and Prophets frequently defend the cause of the fatherless, widow, sojourner and poor (Psalm 82:3, Isaiah 1:17, Isaiah 58:6-7, Zechariah 7:9-10). Jesus showed special compassion to the marginalized like lepers, women, and children. James 1:27 defines true religion as caring for widows and orphans.
Loving Your Enemies
Perhaps the most radical teaching on altruism in the Bible is when Jesus said “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:43-44). Loving and doing good to enemies goes far beyond normal human altruism. Believers are called to a supernatural love modeled after God’s love in sending Jesus to die for sinners (Romans 5:6-10).
The Judgment of the Nations
Jesus teaches that at the final judgment, the righteous are commended for feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, welcoming strangers, clothing the naked, caring for the sick, and visiting prisoners (Matthew 25:31-46). Selfless service to “the least of these” is equated with serving Christ Himself. These acts of mercy and altruism show the work of God’s kingdom and love in a person’s life.
Being Imitators of God
As dearly loved children of God, Christians are urged to live lives of love just as Christ loved them (Ephesians 5:1-2). Since God shows kindness and mercy to both the evil and good (Luke 6:35-36), His followers are to imitate His altruistic love. As 1 John 4:11 states “if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” Living altruistically imitates God’s sacrificial giving.
Corporate Responsibility
While altruism often focuses on individual actions, the Bible also highlights corporate responsibility to care for others. Israel was commanded to leave portions of harvest for the poor and sojourner (Leviticus 19:10). Nehemiah rebuked nobles for exacting interest from poor Jews trying to survive famine (Nehemiah 5:1-13). The early church shared wealth communally (Acts 4:32-35). God calls societies, not just individuals, to provide for the needy.
Giving Generously
Christians are frequently encouraged to give generously of their finances and possessions to help others. Jesus praised the poor widow’s mites (Luke 21:1-4). The early church sold lands and houses to share with anyone who had need (Acts 4:34-35). Paul organized a collection from Gentile churches to help the poor in Jerusalem (Romans 15:25-28). Believers are to sow generously, knowing God will supply and increase their righteousness (2 Corinthians 9:6-10).
Being a cheerful giver
Gifts given grudgingly or under compulsion are less honorable in God’s sight. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Altruism is most meaningful when given joyfully from the heart, not just legalistically out of duty or social pressure. Jesus pointed out the poor widow gave more than the rich because she gave out of sincere devotion rather than surplus wealth (Mark 12:41-44).
Doing Good to All People
Scripture encourages altruism and doing good even to those outside the church. Galatians 6:10 says, “as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” While believers have special responsibility to care for fellow Christians, they should look for opportunities to do good and show love to all people. Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates loving even supposed “enemies” (Luke 10:25-37).
Honoring the Poor and Afflicted
The Bible instructs believers not to be partial to the rich but to honor the poor and afflicted. James 2:1-9 condemns favoritism towards the wealthy while neglecting the poor. God chooses and cares for the needy, and calls His followers to do likewise – “Has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom…But you have dishonored the poor man” (James 2:5-6).
Caring for Widows and Orphans
God is described as “a father of the fatherless and protector of widows” (Psalm 68:5). His people are constantly commanded to care for widows and orphans as well, some of the most vulnerable members of society (Exodus 22:22, Deuteronomy 24:17, Psalm 82:3, Isaiah 1:17, James 1:27). The true measure of righteousness for a society or individual is how they treat and provide for these needy groups.
Bearing One Another’s Burdens
An important aspect of altruism is bearing each other’s burdens and cares. Galatians 6:2 instructs “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Being willing to come alongside and support a brother or sister in times of hardship or trial displays Christlike love. Similarly, Romans 12:15 says “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” Sharing in others’ lives is altruistic.
Conclusion
In summary, the Bible gives many principles and examples that encourage altruism and selfless concern for the wellbeing of others. Loving neighbors, generosity, serving one another, sacrificial giving, caring for the marginalized, and bearing burdens are just some of the ways Scripture calls believers to live beyond themselves. The supreme model is Christ who gave up His life for mankind. As Christians follow His pattern of radical love, they can change the world through altruistic living.