SELFISH OR SELFLESS
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)
One of the signs of maturity isn't self-awareness; it's self-forgetfulness. It's been said: Pride isn't thinking little of yourself; it's thinking of yourself less. We live in a time, culture and place that highlights self, it seems more than ever. Everything today can be customized to your wants, preferences and desires. The problem is that it can condition us to think life is all about us when the correct order should be God, others, then ourselves. I confess I'm okay with the God first part, but the others first is something I struggle with. I'm a big believer in counseling. It has changed so much in my life. However, be leery of counseling that gets you to focus solely on yourself. I learned that I need to be aware, grieve and heal up so I can truly love others. In some ways, the counseling goal was to allow me to live with a self-forgetfulness. I needed to be aware of some things, focus on some pains, and process some feelings to get healthy so that my life could be poured out as a drink offering.
Marriage, dating, and even relationships can be selfish or selfless. The goal isn't to meet your needs; it's to love and serve others. If everyone lived like this, it would be transformative. You focus on the needs of your friends, family and spouse, and others focus on yours. The problem is that for some people, you are the only one living selflessly, and that is something to be grieved. Remember, though, you are not alone. This is exactly what Jesus did; even in the greatest act of love, people were mocking Him, and He still chose a selfless love. Also, remember you are loved by the most humble and selfless God, really loved. Those who pour out selfless love and don't get it in return have a solidarity with Jesus that others don't. Rest assured, when the final seconds of your life on earth end, you won't regret one minute of selfless love you poured out. Live and love like Jesus.
APPLICATION: The goal is a self-forgetfulness that allows us to truly love others.
PRAYER: Ask the Spirit to help you truly love others. Ask Him to help you pour yourself out toward others. Ask Him for practical ways you can do that today with your family, friends, neighbors or co-workers. Thank Him for His love towards you!
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?