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 DIEBYBEL:A19331953

21 Want vir my is die lewe Christus en die sterwe wins. 22 Maar as ek in die vlees moet lewe, dan beteken dit vir my vrugbare arbeid; en wat ek sal kies, weet ek nie. 23 Want ek word van weerskante gedring: ek het verlange om heen te gaan en met Christus te wees, want dit is verreweg die beste; 24 maar om in die vlees te bly, is nodiger om julle ontwil.

See also Php 3:7–11

It is inspired by the example of Jesus Christ

Philippians 2:4–5 DIEBYBEL:A19331953

4 Julle moet nie elkeen na sy eie belange omsien nie, maar elkeen ook na die ander s’n. 5 Want hierdie gesindheid moet in julle wees wat ook in Christus Jesus was.

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 DIEBYBEL:A19331953

22 Maar die vrug van die Gees is liefde, blydskap, vrede, lankmoedigheid, vriendelikheid, goedheid, getrouheid, sagmoedigheid, selfbeheersing. 23 Teen sulke dinge is die wet nie. 24 Maar die wat aan Christus behoort, het die vlees met sy hartstogte en begeerlikhede gekruisig. 25 As ons deur die Gees lewe, laat ons ook deur die Gees wandel. 26 Laat ons nie word soekers van ydele eer wat mekaar uittart en mekaar beny nie.

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 DIEBYBEL:A19331953

3 Moenie iets doen uit selfsug of uit ydele eer nie, maar in nederigheid moet die een die ander hoër ag as homself.

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