Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  8000 The life of the believer  »  8200 The character of the believer  »  8356 unselfishness

Putting the concerns and interests of others before one's own. Jesus Christ was the supreme example of this and believers should follow his example, denying themselves in order to serve others.

The supreme example of selflessness is that of Jesus Christ himself

In his life and work

John 5:30; Romans 15:3 See also Matthew 15:32; John 13:3-5; 2 Corinthians 8:9

In his dying for others

Matthew 20:26-28 pp Mark 10:43-45 Philippians 2:5-8 See also Isaiah 53:3-12; John 10:17-18; Romans 5:6-8; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:10; 1 Peter 2:22-24; Peter 3:18; 1 Timothy 2:6

Unselfishness is a result of a relationship with Jesus Christ

Christian discipleship begins with a denial of self-interest

Matthew 16:24 pp Mark 8:34 pp Luke 9:23 Mark 10:45 See also Romans 6:6; 2 Corinthians 5:15; Ephesians 4:22; Colossians 3:9

It springs from an experience of life with Jesus Christ

Philippians 1:21-24 See also Philippians 3:7-11

It is inspired by the example of Jesus Christ

Philippians 2:4-5 See also John 13:14-15; 1 John 3:16; John 4:19-21

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

Galatians 5:22-26

Putting others first is fundamental in Christian behaviour

Romans 12:10; 1 Corinthians 10:23-24 This was particularly so when it came to the exercise of personal scruples. See also Romans 14:7; Romans 15:1-2; 1 Corinthians 8:9; Ephesians 4:32-5:2; Colossians 3:13; 1 Timothy 6:18

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

Philippians 2:3 See also Romans 12:16; Galatians 6:2-3; Ephesians 4:2; Ephesians 5:21; 1 Peter 3:8; Peter 5:5

Unselfishness is expressed in Christian service

Luke 22:26; Galatians 5:13 See also 1 Peter 4:10; Peter 5:2

Examples of unselfish behaviour

Those who put others first

Genesis 13:8-9 Abraham; Exodus 32:31-32 Moses; Ruth 1:16-17 Ruth; 1 Samuel 12:3-5 Samuel; Nehemiah 5:14-18 Nehemiah; Mark 12:41-44 a poor widow; Matthew 15:21-28 a mother; Matthew 26:6-13 pp Mark 14:3-9 a woman with a jar of perfume; John 3:27-30 John the Baptist; Acts 4:32-37 the first Christians; Romans 16:3-4 Priscilla and Aquila; 1 Corinthians 16:15 the household of Stephanas; Philippians 2:20-21 Timothy; Philippians 2:29-30 Epaphroditus

Paul's ministry was motivated by the interests of others

1 Corinthians 10:32-33; Corinthians 11:1 See also Acts 20:33-35; 1 Corinthians 9:3-15,19-23; 2 Corinthians 11:23-29; Corinthians 13:4; Philippians 2:17; 1 Thessalonians 2:8-9,19-20

See also

2339  Christ, example of
5959  submission
7733  leaders
8260  generosity
8276  humility
8291  kindness
8292  love
8305  meekness
8342  servanthood
8475  self-denial
8481  self-sacrifice
8827  selfishness