Unselfishness

The supreme example of selflessness is that of Jesus Christ himself

In his life and work

Jn 5:30; Ro 15:3

See also Mt 15:32; Jn 13:3–5; 2 Co 8:9

In his dying for others

Mt 20:26–28; Php 2:5–8

See also Is 53:3–12; Jn 10:17–18; Ro 5:6–8; 1 Co 15:3; 2 Co 5:14; 1 Th 5:10; 1 Pe 2:22–24; 1 Pe 3:18; 1 Ti 2:6

Unselfishness is a result of a relationship with Jesus Christ

Christian discipleship begins with a denial of self-interest

Mt 16:24; Mk 10:45

See also Ro 6:6; 2 Co 5:15; Eph 4:22; Col 3:9

It springs from an experience of life with Jesus Christ

Philippians 1:21–24 ESV

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.

See also Php 3:7–11

It is inspired by the example of Jesus Christ

Philippians 2:4–5 ESV

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,

See also Jn 13:14–15; 1 Jn 3:16; 1 Jn 4:19–21

It is the result of the Spirit’s work in the believer

Galatians 5:22–26 ESV

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Putting others first is fundamental in Christian behaviour

Ro 12:10; 1 Co 10:23–24 This was particularly so when it came to the exercise of personal scruples.

See also Ro 14:7; Ro 15:1–2; 1 Co 8:9; Eph 4:32–5:2; Col 3:13; 1 Ti 6:18

Unselfishness involves a proper attitude to one’s own self-importance

Philippians 2:3 ESV

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

See also Ro 12:16; Ga 6:2–3; Eph 4:2; Eph 5:21; 1 Pe 3:8; 1 Pe 5:5

Unselfishness is expressed in Christian service

Lk 22:26; Ga 5:13

See also 1 Pe 4:10; 1 Pe 5:2

Examples of unselfish behaviour

Those who put others first

Ge 13:8–9 Abraham; Ex 32:31–32 Moses; Ru 1:16–17 Ruth; 1 Sa 12:3–5 Samuel; Ne 5:14–18 Nehemiah; Mk 12:41–44 a poor widow; Mt 15:21–28 a mother; Mt 26:6–13 a woman with a jar of perfume; Jn 3:27–30 John the Baptist; Ac 4:32–37 the first Christians; Ro 16:3–4 Priscilla and Aquila; 1 Co 16:15 the household of Stephanas; Php 2:20–21 Timothy; Php 2:29–30 Epaphroditus

Paul’s ministry was motivated by the interests of others

1 Co 10:32–33; 1 Co 11:1

See also Ac 20:33–35; 1 Co 9:3–15; 1 Co 9:19–23; 2 Co 11:23–29; 2 Co 13:4; Php 2:17; 1 Th 2:8–9; 1 Th 2:19–20