Unselfishness

Summary

The virtue of putting others' interests before one's own, exemplified supremely in Christ who, though rich, became poor for our sakes.

☩Biblical Teaching

Scripture commands believers to look not only to their own interests but also to the interests of others, doing nothing from selfishness or conceit but in humility counting others better than themselves. Paul's own example demonstrated this: he made himself a servant to all that he might win more. Love, which is the fulfillment of the law, 'seeketh not her own.'

Key verses:Philippians 2:3-41 Corinthians 9:19-231 Corinthians 13:4-5Romans 15:1-3

☩Biblical Examples

Many biblical figures demonstrated unselfishness: Abraham allowing Lot first choice of land; Moses interceding for Israel rather than accepting God's offer to make him a great nation; Jonathan surrendering his claim to the throne for David's sake; Nehemiah refusing his governor's allowance to avoid burdening the people; the early disciples selling possessions to share with those in need.

Key verses:Genesis 13:9Numbers 14:12-191 Samuel 23:17-18Nehemiah 5:14-18Acts 4:34-35

☩Self-Denial

Self-denial does not consist in rejecting God's creatures or being careless of life and health, but in renouncing all pleasures, profits, and practices prejudicial to the soul's true interests. The understanding must be denied so far as not to lean upon it independent of divine instruction; the will so far as it opposes God's will; the affections when inordinate; and life itself if called for in Christ's cause.

Key verses:Matthew 16:24-25Colossians 3:5Philippians 3:8-9