Selflessness, the act of putting others' needs and interests above one's own, is a virtue highly esteemed in the Bible. Throughout Scripture, God consistently approves and blesses those who demonstrate selflessness, as it reflects His own nature and the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament lays the groundwork for understanding selflessness as a divine attribute. In the Law, God commands His people to care for the poor, the widow, and the orphan, emphasizing the importance of looking beyond oneself to the needs of others. Leviticus 19:18 instructs, "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD." This commandment underscores the selfless love that God desires from His people.

The account of Ruth is a profound example of selflessness in the Old Testament. Ruth, a Moabite widow, chooses to stay with her mother-in-law Naomi, declaring, "Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God my God" (Ruth 1:16). Ruth's selfless devotion to Naomi leads to her becoming an ancestor of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ.

The Teachings of Jesus

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ embodies and teaches selflessness as a core principle of the Kingdom of God. His life and ministry are marked by acts of compassion and service. In Matthew 20:28, Jesus states, "Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." This declaration highlights the ultimate act of selflessness—His sacrificial death on the cross.

Jesus' teachings further emphasize selflessness. In the Sermon on the Mount, He instructs, "If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well" (Matthew 5:40). This radical call to selflessness challenges believers to go beyond mere obligation and to act with generous love.

The Apostolic Example

The apostles continued to teach and model selflessness in the early church. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, exhorts believers to emulate Christ's humility and selflessness: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves" (Philippians 2:3). Paul himself exemplified selflessness in his ministry, often enduring hardships for the sake of spreading the Gospel.

The early church community also practiced selflessness, as seen in Acts 2:44-45: "All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need." This communal lifestyle reflected the selfless love and unity that God desires among His people.

Divine Approval and Blessing

God's approval of selflessness is evident in the blessings and commendations given to those who live selflessly. Proverbs 11:25 states, "A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." This principle is echoed throughout Scripture, affirming that God honors those who put others first.

In the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), Jesus commends the Samaritan's selfless actions, highlighting that true neighborly love transcends cultural and social boundaries. The Samaritan's compassion and willingness to help a stranger in need exemplify the selflessness that God approves.

Conclusion

Selflessness is a divine attribute that God not only approves but also commands His followers to embody. Through the examples of biblical figures, the teachings of Jesus, and the practices of the early church, Scripture consistently affirms that selflessness is a reflection of God's love and a mark of true discipleship.