32 Bible Verses About Lifting Others Up (With Cross-Reference)

In a world where challenges and struggles often weigh heavily on hearts, the act of lifting others up becomes a profound expression of love and kindness. The Bible encourages believers to support, strengthen, and encourage one another through acts of compassion and understanding. The following Bible verses reflect the importance of uplifting others and the joy that comes with being a source of encouragement.

Bible Verses About Lifting Others Up

1. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Encourage One Another

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Cross-References

Hebrews 3:13 – “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”

2. Galatians 6:2 – Carry Each Other’s Burdens

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2

Cross-References

Romans 15:1 – “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.”

3. Proverbs 12:25 – Anxiety Weighs Down the Heart

“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” – Proverbs 12:25

Cross-References

Proverbs 15:13 – “A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.”

Proverbs 16:24 – “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”

Psalms 94:19 – “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.”

4. Hebrews 10:24-25 – Spur One Another on Toward Love

“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

Cross-References

Acts 2:42 – “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

1 Peter 4:8 – “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”

5. Philippians 2:3-4 – Value Others Above Yourselves

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” – Philippians 2:3-4

Cross-References

Romans 12:16 – “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.”

1 Peter 5:5 – “In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'”

6. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 – Two are Better Than One

“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

Cross-References

James 5:16 – “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

1 John 1:7 – “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”

7. Romans 14:19 – Make Every Effort to Do What Leads to Peace

“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” – Romans 14:19

Cross-References

Ephesians 4:3 – “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

Hebrews 12:14 – “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness, no one will see the Lord.”

1 Thessalonians 5:15 – “Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.”

8. Isaiah 41:6 – They Help Each Other

“They help each other and say to their companions, ‘Be strong!’” – Isaiah 41:6

Cross-References

Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Hebrews 10:23 – “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”

Zechariah 8:9 – “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Now hear these words, ‘Let your hands be strong so that the temple may be built.’ This is also what the prophets said who were present when the foundation was laid for the house of the Lord Almighty.”

9. Ephesians 4:29 – Only What is Helpful for Building Others Up

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” – Ephesians 4:29

Cross-References

Colossians 4:6 – “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

James 3:10 – “Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”

Proverbs 10:11 – “The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.”

10. 1 Samuel 23:16 – Strengthened His Hand in God

“And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God.” – 1 Samuel 23:16

Cross-References

2 Timothy 1:7 – “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.”

Psalms 118:6 – “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

11. Isaiah 35:3 – Strengthen the Feeble Hands

“Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way.” – Isaiah 35:3

Cross-References

Job 4:3-4 – “Think how you have instructed many, how you have strengthened feeble hands. Your words have supported those who stumbled; you have strengthened faltering knees.”

Psalms 89:21 – “My hand will sustain him; surely my arm will strengthen him.”

12. Job 16:5 – Comfort with My Lips

“But my mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief.” – Job 16:5

Cross-References

Proverbs 15:23 – “A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!”

1 Thessalonians 5:14 – “And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.”

2 Corinthians 1:4 – “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

13. Romans 15:2 – Build Up Your Neighbor

“Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.” – Romans 15:2

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 10:24 – “No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.”

1 Peter 3:8 – “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”

Philippians 2:4 – “Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

While you’re here, why not explore our latest article on: Bible verses about Sacrificing Yourself For Others (With Cross-Reference)

14. Proverbs 27:9 – The Sweetness of a Friend

“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.” – Proverbs 27:9

Cross-References

Proverbs 27:17 – “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

John 15:15 – “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”

Ecclesiastes 4:10 – “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.”

15. Proverbs 17:17 – A Friend Loves at All Times

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” – Proverbs 17:17

Cross-References

1 John 4:7 – “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.”

Proverbs 18:24 – “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

16. Colossians 3:16 – Teach and Admonish One Another

“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” – Colossians 3:16

Cross-References

Ephesians 5:19 – “Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord.”

Romans 15:14 – “I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another.”

2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

17. 2 Corinthians 13:11 – Encourage One Another

“Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” – 2 Corinthians 13:11

Cross-References

Philippians 2:1-2 – “Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.”

1 Thessalonians 4:18 – “Therefore encourage one another with these words.”

Romans 15:5 – “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had.”

18. Galatians 5:13 – Serve One Another in Love

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” – Galatians 5:13

Cross-References

John 13:34 – “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

Luke 22:26 – “But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.”

19. Romans 12:10 – Be Devoted to One Another

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10

Cross-References

Ephesians 4:2 – “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”

1 Peter 1:22 – “Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.”

20. Psalm 10:17 – You Encourage Them

“You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry.” – Psalm 10:17

Cross-References

Psalms 34:17 – “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.”

Psalms 145:19 – “He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.”

Isaiah 30:19 – “People of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you.”

21. 1 Corinthians 8:1 – Love Builds Up

“We know that ‘We all possess knowledge.’ But knowledge puffs up while love builds up.” – 1 Corinthians 8:1

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 13:2 – “If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.”

Galatians 5:6 – “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”

John 15:12 – “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”

22. John 15:13 – Greater Love Has No One Than This

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” – John 15:13

Cross-References

Romans 5:8 – “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

1 John 3:16 – “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.”

Ephesians 5:2 – “And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

23. Matthew 5:14 – You are the Light of the World

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” – Matthew 5:14

Cross-References

Philippians 2:15 – “So that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.”

1 Thessalonians 5:5 – “You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.”

1 Peter 2:9 – “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

24. Luke 6:31 – Do to Others

“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” – Luke 6:31

Cross-References

Matthew 7:12 – “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

Romans 13:10 – “Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”

Luke 10:27 – “He answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”

25. Isaiah 40:31 – Those Who Hope in the Lord

“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

Cross-References

Psalms 103:5 – “Who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

2 Corinthians 4:16 – “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”

26. Hebrews 12:12 – Strengthen Your Feeble Arms

“Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.” – Hebrews 12:12

Cross-References

Psalms 68:35 – “You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people.”

27. Matthew 18:20 – Where Two or Three Gather

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” – Matthew 18:20

Cross-References

Matthew 28:20 – “And teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Acts 1:14 – “They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.”

28. Zephaniah 3:17 – The Lord Your God is with You

“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” – Zephaniah 3:17

Cross-References

Isaiah 12:2 – “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.”

Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Psalms 62:7 – “My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.”

29. Exodus 17:12 – Aaron and Hur Held His Hands Up

“When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset.” – Exodus 17:12

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 12:26 – “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.”

30. Proverbs 11:25 – A Generous Person Will Prosper

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” – Proverbs 11:25

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 9:6 – “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”

Luke 6:38 – “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.”

Proverbs 22:9 – “The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.”

31. Isaiah 50:4 – Sustains the Weary

“The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.” – Isaiah 50:4

Cross-References

Psalms 119:147 – “I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word.”

Matthew 11:28 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Proverbs 18:4 – “The words of the mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream.”

32. 1 Peter 4:10 – Use Whatever Gift You Have

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10

Cross-References

Romans 12:6-8 – “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”

Ephesians 4:11-12 – “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up”

1 Corinthians 14:12 – “So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church.”

Also check out this article on: Bible verses about Praying for Others

Final Thoughts

Lifting others up is a timeless and essential practice rooted in biblical teachings. By leaning on these scripture passages, believers are reminded of their divine calling to support, encourage, and love one another. The act of uplifting is not just a duty, but a shared privilege that enhances community and manifests God’s love in tangible ways. Whether through kind words, acts of service, or the sharing of burdens, each gesture of compassion contributes to a lasting impact on individuals and the broader community.

Committing to a lifestyle of encouragement aligns with Christ’s example, who himself bore the burdens of all humanity, epitomizing selflessness and love. In a world that can be filled with turmoil and struggle, the call to uplift is ever more urgent, offering a beacon of hope and a testament to faith. Let these scriptures inspire us to actively seek to uplift one another, spreading light and building a community founded on Christ’s love and grace.

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