To Be Selfless

As we have discussed before in articles past, there are many individual qualities that a Christian should strive to possess.  In today’s article we are going to discuss being selfless.  To be selfless, one must have empathy for others and to understand the needs of others over self at times.  It’s easy for us in our everyday lives to become wrapped up in troubles and trials of the world and in our own problems and overlook others and their problems.  We need to try to have empathy for others, put ourselves in their shoes, humble ourselves and put others before ourselves when possible.  

          In order for us to demonstrate empathy and selflessness to others, we must first love.  A couple of quotes that I’ve seen but have no reference for are, “True love is selfless and is prepared to sacrifice.”  And, “You don’t need a reason to help people.”  In order for us to be selfless we have to understand to love others and understand their needs. 

          Of course there are countless verses in the Bible that show us examples of selflessness, with Jesus probably being the

best example.  Philippians 2:5-8 says, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

          2 Cor 8:9 goes on to describe Christ, “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.”  Even when faced with his own death for us, Christ said in Luke 22:42, “Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” 

          Christ is the most notable Bible character that I think of when I think about one being selfless.  He faced countless obstacles in his mortal life, even unto facing his own cruel death upon the cross, all for the love of the Father and desire to fulfill God’s will.  As Christians, we should all take a lesson from Christ’s selfless attitude and strive to be like him in our everyday lives.  I hope this article was as beneficial for you as it was for me.

- Jordan Hopkins