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
I can do nothing by Myself; I judge only as I hear. And My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.
For even Christ did not please Himself, but as it is written: “The insults of those who insult You have fallen on Me.”
In his dying for others
Matthew 20:26–28 parallel Mark 10:43–45Philippians 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, 1 Peter 3:18; 1 Timothy 2:6
It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave — 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.”
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross.
Unselfishness is a result of a relationship with Jesus Christ
Christian discipleship begins with a denial of self-interest
Matthew 16:24 parallels Mark 8:34, Luke 9:23Mark 10:45 See also Romans 6:6; 2 Corinthians 5:15; Ephesians 4:22; Colossians 3:9
Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
It springs from an experience of life with Jesus Christ
Philippians 1:21–24 See also Philippians 3:7–11
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. So what shall I choose? I do not know. I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed. But it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.
It is inspired by the example of Jesus Christ
Philippians 2:4–5 See also John 13:14–15; 1 John 3:16, 1 John 4:19–21
Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus:
It is the result of the Spirit's work in the believer
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
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.
“Everything is permissible,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible,” but not everything is edifying. No one should seek his own good, but the good of others.
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, 1 Peter 5:5
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.
Unselfishness is expressed in Christian service
Luke 22:26; Galatians 5:13 See also 1 Peter 4:10, 1 Peter 5:2
But you shall not be like them. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who leads like the one who serves.
For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love.
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 parallel 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, 1 Corinthians 11:1 See also Acts 20:33–35; 1 Corinthians 9:3–15, 1 Corinthians 9:19–23; 2 Corinthians 11:23–29, 2 Corinthians 13:4; Philippians 2:17; 1 Thessalonians 2:8–9, 1 Thessalonians 2:19–20
Do not become a stumbling block, whether to Jews or Greeks or the church of God— as I also try to please everyone in all I do. For I am not seeking my own good, but the good of many, that they may be saved.
You are to imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.